Substituted tetrahydropyran spiro pyrrolidinone and piperidinone, preparation and therapeutic use thereof

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to a series of substituted N-phenyl-bipyrrolidine carboxamides of formula (I): 
                         
wherein R 1 , R 2 , m, n and p are as described herein. More specifically, the compounds of this invention are modulators of H3 receptors and are, therefore, useful as pharmaceutical agents, especially in the treatment and/or prevention of a variety of diseases modulated by H3 receptors including diseases associated with the central nervous system. Additionally, methods of preparation of substituted N-phenyl-bipyrrolidine carboxamides and intermediates therefore are disclosed.

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/151,925, filed Jun. 2, 2011, which is a continuation of InternationalApplication No. PCT/US2009/066666, filed Dec. 4, 2009, which claims thebenefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/120,087,filed Dec. 5, 2008, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a series of substituted tetrahydropyranspiro pyrrolidinone and piperidinone derivatives. The compounds of thisinvention are modulators of H3 receptors and are, therefore, useful aspharmaceutical agents, especially in the treatment and/or prevention ofa variety of diseases modulated by H3 receptors including diseasesassociated with the central nervous system. Additionally, this inventionalso relates to methods of preparation of substituted tetrahydropyranspiro pyrrolidinone and piperidinone and intermediates therefor.

2. Description of the Art

Histamine is a ubiquitous messenger molecule released from mast cells,enterochromaffin-like cells, and neurons. The physiological actions ofhistamine are mediated by four pharmacologically defined receptors (H1,H2, H3 and H4). All histamine receptors exhibit seven transmembranedomains and are members of the G-protein-coupled receptor superfamily(GPCRs).

The H1 receptor was the first member of the histamine receptor family tobe pharmacologically defined, with the development of classicalantihistamines (antagonists), such as diphenhydramine and fexofenadine.While antagonism of the H1 receptor of the immune system is commonlyused for the treatment of allergic reactions, the H1 receptor is alsoexpressed in various peripheral tissues and the central nervous system(CNS). In the brain, H1 is involved in the control of wakefulness, mood,appetite and hormone secretion.

The H2 receptor is also expressed in the CNS, where it may modulateseveral processes, including cognition. However, H2 receptor antagonistshave primarily been developed to ameliorate gastric ulcers by inhibitinghistamine-mediated gastric acid secretion by parietal cells. Classic H2antagonists include cimetidine, ranitidine, and famotidine.

It should further be noted that H4 receptor function remains poorlydefined, but may involve immune regulation and inflammatory processes.

On the other hand, H3 receptors have also been pharmacologicallyidentified in the CNS, heart, lung, and stomach. The H3 receptor differssignificantly from other histamine receptors, exhibiting low sequencehomology (H1: 30%, H2: 28%, H4: 51%). H3 is a presynaptic autoreceptoron histamine neurons in the brain and a presynaptic heteroreceptor innonhistamine-containing neurons in both the central and peripheralnervous systems. In addition to histamine, H3 also modulates the releaseand/or synthesis of other neurotransmitters, including acetylcholine,dopamine, norepinepherin and serotonin. Of particular note, presynapticmodulation of histamine release by H3 allows significant regulation ofH1 and H2 receptors in the brain. Modulating multiple neurotransmittersignaling pathways, H3 may contribute to varied physiological processes.Indeed, extensive preclinical evidence indicates that H3 plays a role incognition, sleep-wake cycle and energy homeostasis.

Modulators of H3 function may be useful in the treatment of centralnervous system disorders, such as cognitive impairment associated withschizophrenia (CIAS), dementia of Alzheimer Type (DAT), schizophrenia,Alzheimer's disease, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder,Parkinson's disease, depression, and epilepsy, sleep disorders(narcolepsy and insomnia), cardiovascular disorders (acute myocardialinfarction), respiratory disorders (asthma), obesity, andgastrointestinal disorders. See generally, Hancock. Biochem. Pharmacol.2006 Apr. 14; 71(8):1103-13 and Esbenshade et al. Mol. Interv. 2006Apr.; 6(2):77-88, 59.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,223,788 discloses a series of compounds, includingsubstituted bis-pyrrolidines, having melanin concentrating hormone (MCH)receptor antagonists. But the compounds disclosed therein are notreported to be active at the H3 receptor site.

All of the references described herein are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a series ofsubstituted tetrahydropyran spiro pyrrolidinone and piperidinone asselective H3 receptor ligands for treatment of H3 receptor regulated CNSdisorders.

It is also an object of this invention to provide processes for thepreparation of the substituted tetrahydropyran spiro pyrrolidinone andpiperidinone as disclosed herein.

Other objects and further scope of the applicability of the presentinvention will become apparent from the detailed description thatfollows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has now been found that the compounds of formula (I) are useful as H3receptor antagonists and/or inverse agonists. Thus in accordance withthe practice of this invention there is provided a compound of formula(I):

-   wherein-   m is 1 or 2.-   n is 1 or 2.-   p is 1 or 2.-   R₁ is hydrogen, (C₁-C₄)alkyl, CF₃, or (C₁-C₄)alkoxy-(C₁-C₄)alkyl.-   R₂ is hydrogen, halogen, (C₁-C₄)alkyl or CF₃.

This invention further includes various salts of the compounds offormula (I) including various enantiomers or diastereomers of compoundsof formula (I).

In other aspects of this invention there are also provided variouspharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more compounds of formula(I) as well as their therapeutic use in alleviating various diseaseswhich are mediated in-part and/or fully by H3 receptors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The terms as used herein have the following meanings:

As used herein, the expression “(C₁-C₄)alkyl” includes methyl and ethylgroups, and straight-chained or branched propyl, and butyl groups.Particular alkyl groups are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl andtert-butyl. Derived expressions such as “(C₁-C₄)alkoxy”,“(C₁-C₄)alkoxy(C₁-C₄)alkyl”, or “hydroxy(C₁-C₄)alkyl” are to beconstrued accordingly.

As used herein, the expression “(C₁-C₆)perfluoroalkyl” means that all ofthe hydrogen atoms in said alkyl group are replaced with fluorine atoms.Illustrative examples include trifluoromethyl and pentafluoroethyl, andstraight-chained or branched heptafluoropropyl, nonafluorobutyl,undecafluoropentyl and tridecafluorohexyl groups. Derived expression,“(C₁-C₆)perfluoroalkoxy”, is to be construed accordingly.

“Halogen” or “halo” means chloro, fluoro, bromo, and iodo.

As used herein, “patient” means a warm blooded animal, such as forexample rat, mice, dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and primates such as humans.

As used herein, the expression “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier”means a non-toxic solvent, dispersant, excipient, adjuvant, or othermaterial which is mixed with the compound of the present invention inorder to permit the formation of a pharmaceutical composition, i.e., adosage form capable of administration to the patient. One example ofsuch a carrier is pharmaceutically acceptable oil typically used forparenteral administration.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salts” as used herein means thatthe salts of the compounds of the present invention can be used inmedicinal preparations. Other salts may, however, be useful in thepreparation of the compounds according to the invention or of theirpharmaceutically acceptable salts. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptablesalts of the compounds of this invention include acid addition saltswhich may, for example, be formed by mixing a solution of the compoundaccording to the invention with a solution of a pharmaceuticallyacceptable acid such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, nitricacid, sulfamic acid, sulfuric acid, methanesulfonic acid,2-hydroxyethanesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, fumaric acid,maleic acid, hydroxymaleic acid, malic acid, ascorbic acid, succinicacid, glutaric acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, salicylic acid,cinnamic acid, 2-phenoxybenzoic acid, hydroxybenzoic acid, phenylaceticacid, benzoic acid, oxalic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, glycolicacid, lactic acid, pyruvic acid, malonic acid, carbonic acid orphosphoric acid. The acid metal salts such as sodium monohydrogenorthophosphate and potassium hydrogen sulfate can also be formed. Also,the salts so formed may present either as mono- or di-acid salts and canexist substantially anhydrous or can be hydrated. Furthermore, where thecompounds of the invention carry an acidic moiety, suitablepharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof may include alkali metalsalts, e.g. sodium or potassium salts; alkaline earth metal salts, e.g.calcium or magnesium salts, and salts formed with suitable organicligands, e.g. quaternary ammonium salts.

The expression “stereoisomers” is a general term used for all isomers ofthe individual molecules that differ only in the orientation of theiratoms in space.

Typically it includes mirror image isomers that are usually formed dueto at least one asymmetric center, (enantiomers). Where the compoundsaccording to the invention possess two or more asymmetric centers, theymay additionally exist as diastereoisomers, also certain individualmolecules may exist as geometric isomers (cis/trans). Similarly, certaincompounds of this invention may exist in a mixture of two or morestructurally distinct forms that are in rapid equilibrium, commonlyknown as tautomers. Representative examples of tautomers includeketo-enol tautomers, phenol-keto tautomers, nitroso-oxime tautomers,imine-enamine tautomers, etc. It is to be understood that all suchisomers and mixtures thereof in any proportion are encompassed withinthe scope of the present invention.

As used herein, ‘R’ and ‘S’ are used as commonly used terms in organicchemistry to denote specific configuration of a chiral center. The term‘R’ (rectus) refers to that configuration of a chiral center with aclockwise relationship of group priorities (highest to second lowest)when viewed along the bond toward the lowest priority group. The term‘S’ (sinister) refers to that configuration of a chiral center with acounterclockwise relationship of group priorities (highest to secondlowest) when viewed along the bond toward the lowest priority group. Thepriority of groups is based upon sequence rules wherein prioritizationis first based on atomic number (in order of decreasing atomic number).A listing and discussion of priorities is contained in Stereochemistryof Organic Compounds, Ernest L. Eliel, Samuel H. Wilen and Lewis N.Mander, editors, Wiley-Interscience, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York,1994.

In addition to the (R)-(S) system, the older D-L system may also be usedherein to denote absolute configuration, especially with reference toamino acids. In this system a Fischer projection formula is oriented sothat the number 1 carbon of the main chain is at the top. The prefix ‘D’is used to represent the absolute configuration of the isomer in whichthe functional (determining) group is on the right side of the carbon atthe chiral center and ‘L’, that of the isomer in which it is on theleft.

In a broad sense, the term “substituted” is contemplated to include allpermissible substituents of organic compounds. In a few of the specificembodiments as disclosed herein, the term “substituted” meanssubstituted with one or more substituents independently selected fromthe group consisting of (C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₂-C₆)alkenyl,(C₁-C₆)perfluoroalkyl, phenyl, hydroxy, —CO₂H, an ester, an amide,(C₁-C₆)alkoxy, (C₁-C₆)thioalkyl, (C₁-C₆)perfluoroalkoxy, —NH₂, Cl, Br,I, F, —NH-lower alkyl, and —N(lower alkyl)₂. However, any of the othersuitable substituents known to one skilled in the art can also be usedin these embodiments.

“Therapeutically effective amount” means an amount of the compound whichis effective in treating the named disease, disorder or condition.

The term “treating” refers to:

(i) preventing a disease, disorder or condition from occurring in apatient that may be predisposed to the disease, disorder and/orcondition, but has not yet been diagnosed as having it;

(ii) inhibiting the disease, disorder or condition, i.e., arresting itsdevelopment; and

(iii) relieving the disease, disorder or condition, i.e., causingregression of the disease, disorder and/or condition.

Thus, in accordance with the practice of this invention there isprovided a compound of the formula I:

-   wherein-   m is 1 or 2.-   n is 1 or 2.-   p is 1 or 2.-   R₁ is hydrogen, (C₁-C₄)alkyl, CF₃, or (C₁-C₄)alkoxy-(C₁-C₄)alkyl.-   R₂ is hydrogen, halogen, (C₁-C₄)alkyl or CF₃.

This invention further includes various salts of the compounds offormula (I) including various enantiomers or diastereomers of compoundsof formula (I). As noted hereinabove and by way of specific exampleshereafter all of the salts that can be formed including pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts are part of this invention. As also noted hereinaboveand hereafter all of the conceivable enantiomeric and diastereomericforms of compounds of formula (I) are part of this invention.

In one of the embodiments, there is provided the compounds of formula(I) wherein m, n and p are 1. R₁ is methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, n-propylor methoxymethyl. R₂ is hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, methyl, ethyl orCF₃.

In another embodiment of this invention there is also provided acompound of formula (I), wherein n is 2 and m is 1 or n is 1 and m is 2.p is 1 or 2. R₁ is methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, n-propyl or methoxymethyl.R₂ is hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, methyl, ethyl or CF₃.

In a further aspect of this invention the following compoundsencompassed by the scope of this invention without any limitation may beenumerated:

-   2-[2-methyl-4-(2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[2-methyl-4-(2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[3-fluoro-4-(2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-{2-methyl-4-[4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-piperidin-1-yl]-phenyl}-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[2-methyl-4-(2R,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[4-(2-ethyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-2-fluoro-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[2-fluoro-4-(2-isopropyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[2-fluoro-4-(2-propyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-{2-fluoro-4-[4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-piperidin-1-yl]-phenyl}-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[2-fluoro-4-(2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[2-fluoro-4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-{4-[4-(2-isopropyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-piperidin-1-yl]-phenyl}-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-{4-[4-(2-propyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-piperidin-1-yl]-phenyl}-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[4-(2-methoxymethyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-{4-[4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-piperidin-1-yl]-phenyl}-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[3-fluoro-4-(2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-{4-[4-(2-ethyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-piperidin-1-yl]-2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl}-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-{4-[4-(2-isopropyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-piperidin-1-yl]-2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl}-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[4-(2-propyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-{4-[4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-piperidin-1-yl]-2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl}-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-{2-ethyl-4-[4-(2-propyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-piperidin-1-yl]-phenyl}-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-{2-ethyl-4-[4-(2-methoxymethyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-piperidin-1-yl]-phenyl}-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[2-ethyl-4-((2S,3S′)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[2-fluoro-4-(2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[2-methyl-4-(2R,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[2-methyl-4-(2R,3′R)-2-methyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[2-methyl-4-(2S,3′R)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[2-methyl-4-(2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[2-methyl-4-(2R,3′R)-2-methyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[2-methyl-4-(2S,3′R)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[4-((2R,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[4-((2R,3′R)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[4-((2S,3′R)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[2-fluoro-4-(2R,3′S)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[2-fluoro-4-(2R,3′R)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;    and-   2-[2-fluoro-4-(2S,3′R)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one.

All of the above compounds may also include corresponding salts whereverpossible including the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In another aspect of this invention the following compounds encompassedby compound of formula (I) of this invention without any limitation maybe enumerated:

-   2-[2-methyl-4-(2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[2-methyl-4-(2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[3-fluoro-4-(2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-{2-methyl-4-[4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-piperidin-1-yl]-phenyl}-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[2-methyl-4-(2R,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-{2-fluoro-4-[4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-pyrrolidin-1-ylypiperidin-1-yl]-phenyl}-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[2-fluoro-4-(2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[2-fluoro-4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,4]bipiperidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-{4-[4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-piperidin-1-yl]-phenyl}-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[3-fluoro-4-(2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-{4-[4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-piperidin-1-yl]-2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl}-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[2-ethyl-4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[2-fluoro-4-(2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[2-methyl-4-(2R,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[2-methyl-4-(2R,3′R)-2-methyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[2-methyl-4-(2S,3′R)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[2-methyl-4-(2R,3′R)-2-methyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[2-methyl-4-(2S,3′R)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[4-((2R,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[4-((2R,3′R)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[4-((2S,3′R)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[2-fluoro-4-((2R,3′S)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[2-fluoro-4-(2R,3′R)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;    and-   2-[2-fluoro-4-(2S,3′R)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one.

Again all of the conceivable salts of the above noted compoundsincluding the pharmaceutically acceptable salts are part of thisinvention.

In a further aspect of this invention, the following compounds withinthe scope of this invention may be enumerated:

-   2-[2-methyl-4-(2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[2-methyl-4-(2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[3-fluoro-4-(2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[2-methyl-4-(2R,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[2-fluoro-4-(2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[3-fluoro-4-(2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[2-ethyl-4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[2-fluoro-4-(2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[2-methyl-4-(2R,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[2-methyl-4-(2R,3′R)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[2-methyl-4-(2S,3′R)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[2-methyl-4-((2R,3′R)-2-methyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[2-methyl-4-((2S,3′R)-2-methyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[4-((2R,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[4-((2R,3′R)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[4-((2S,3′R)-2-methyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[2-fluoro-4-((2R,3′S)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl    yphenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[2-fluoro-4-((2R,3′R)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-ylyphenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;    and-   2-[2-fluoro-4-((2S,3′R)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl    yphenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one.

Again all of the conceivable salts of the above noted compoundsincluding the pharmaceutically acceptable salts are part of thisinvention.

In a further aspect of this invention, the following compounds withinthe scope of this invention may be enumerated:

-   2-[2-methyl-4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-ylyphenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[2-methyl-4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-ylyphenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-ylyphenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[2-fluoro-4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-ylyphenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[2-ethyl-4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-ylyphenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[2-fluoro-4-(2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[4-((2R,3′R)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[4-((2S,3′R)-2-methyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[2-fluoro-4-(2R,3′R)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;    and-   2-[2-fluoro-4-(2S,3′R)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one.

Again all of the conceivable salts of the above noted compoundsincluding the pharmaceutically acceptable salts are part of thisinvention.

In a further aspect of this invention, the following compounds withinthe scope of this invention may be enumerated:

-   2-[2-methyl-4-(2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[2-methyl-4-(2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;-   2-[4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[2-fluoro-4-(2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one;-   2-[2-fluoro-4-(2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]-bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one;    and-   2-[4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one.

Again all of the conceivable salts of the above noted compoundsincluding the pharmaceutically acceptable salts are part of thisinvention.

In another aspect of this invention the compound of this invention maybe represented by a specific stereoisomeric form of formula (II):

wherein R₁, R₂, m, n and p are as defined hereinabove.

The compounds of this invention can be synthesized by any of theprocedures known to one skilled in the art. Specifically, several of thestarting materials used in the preparation of the compounds of thisinvention are known or are themselves commercially available. Thecompounds of this invention and several of the precursor compounds mayalso be prepared by methods used to prepare similar compounds asreported in the literature and as further described herein. Forinstance, see R. C. Larock, “Comprehensive Organic Transformations,” VCHpublishers, 1989.

It is also well known that in various organic reactions it may benecessary to protect reactive functional groups, such as for example,amino groups, to avoid their unwanted participation in the reactions.Conventional protecting groups may be used in accordance with standardpractice and known to one of skilled in the art, for example, see T. W.Greene and P. G. M. Wuts in “Protective Groups in Organic Chemistry”John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 1991. For example, suitable amine protectinggroups include without any limitation sulfonyl (e.g., tosyl), acyl(e.g., benzyloxycarbonyl or t-butoxycarbonyl) and arylalkyl (e.g.,benzyl), which may be removed subsequently by hydrolysis orhydrogenation as appropriate. Other suitable amine protecting groupsinclude trifluoroacetyl [—C(═O)CF₃] which may be removed by basecatalyzed hydrolysis, or a solid phase resin bound benzyl group, such asa Merrifield resin bound 2,6-dimethoxybenzyl group (Ellman linker) or a2,6-dimethoxy-4-[2-(polystyrylmethoxy)ethoxy]benzyl, which may beremoved by acid catalyzed hydrolysis, for example with TFA.

More specifically, the compounds disclosed herein and various precursorsused therefor can be synthesized according to the following proceduresof Schemes 1-7, wherein R₁, R₂, m, n and p are as defined for Formula Iunless otherwise indicated.

For instance, Scheme 1 illustrates the preparation of the intermediateof formula (4), wherein R₁, m and p are as defined herein. First, instep 1, Scheme 1, suitably protected (for example tert-butyloxycarbonyl(boc)) pyrrolidinone of formula (1) is condensed with a desiredsubstituted pyrrolidine of formula (2) by any of the known reductiveamination procedures to form an intermediate of formula (3). Forinstance, such condensation reactions are generally carried out in thepresence of reducing agents such as triacetoxyborohydride in an inertatmosphere, such as nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction can be carried outeither at sub-ambient, ambient or super-ambient reaction temperaturesand pressures. Typically, such reactions are carried out at roomtemperature at atmospheric pressure of nitrogen. The reaction mixture isthen worked-up using procedures known to skilled in the art to isolatethe intermediate of formula (3).

In step 2, Scheme 1, the intermediate (3) is then de-protected to formthe desired [1,3′]-pyrrolidinyl-pyrrolidine of formula (4). Suchdeprotection reactions are generally carried out under acidicconditions, for example, in the presence of hydrochloric acid atsub-ambient to ambient temperatures, for example in the temperaturerange of about −10° C. to room temperature. However, other suitablereaction temperatures can also be used depending upon the nature of theintermediate of formula (3).

Scheme 2 illustrates preparation of enantiomerically pure isomers of the[1,3′]pyrrolidinyl-pyrrolidine of formula (9), wherein R₁, m and p areas defined herein. In step 1, Scheme 2, suitably protected (for exampleboc) pyrrolidine or piperidine alcohol of formula (5) is treated withp-toluene sulfonyl chloride to form intermediate of formula (6). Thisreaction can be carried out using any of the procedures known to oneskilled in the art, such as for example carrying out the reaction in thepresence of a suitable base such as triethylamine and DMAP in a suitableorganic solvent, preferably an aprotic solvent such as dichloromethaneat sub-ambient or ambient temperature conditions.

In step 2, Scheme 2, the intermediate of formula (6) is condensed with adesired pyrrolidine or piperidine of formula (7). Again, suchcondensation reactions can be carried out using any of the proceduresknown to one skilled in the art in order to obtain the intermediate offormula (8). Typically, such condensation reactions are carried out inthe presence of a base such as potassium carbonate in the presence ofsolvents such as acetonitrile at ambient to super-ambient temperatureconditions.

In step 3, Scheme 2, the intermediate of formula (8) is then reactedwith an acid, such as hydrochloric acid in a suitable solvent, such asdioxane, to form the desired stereospecific isomer of intermediate offormula (9). It has now been found that the intermediates of formula (9)can be readily formed in accordance with the process of this inventionwith high enantiomeric purity, specific details of which are providedhereinbelow by way of various examples. In general, the enantiomericpurity can be determined by chiral HPLC.

Scheme 3 illustrates the preparation ofamino-phenyl-pyrrolidinyl-pyrrolidine intermediate of formula (12),wherein R₁, R₂, m and p are as defined herein. In step 1, Scheme 3,suitably substituted nitrobenzene of formula (10), wherein X is asuitable leaving group, such as Cl, F, Br, or triflate (OTf) iscondensed with the [1,3′]pyrrolidinyl-pyrrolidine of formula (4) inorder to form an intermediate of formula (11). Such condensationreactions can again be carried out using any of the procedures known toone skilled in the art. For example, such condensation reaction can becarried out in a polar solvent such as DMSO in the presence of a basesuch as potassium carbonate at ambient to super-ambient temperatureconditions.

In step 2, Scheme 3, intermediate of formula (11) is reduced byhydrogenation or other known chemical methods, such as using tindichloride in hydrochloric acid, to form the key intermediate (12).

Scheme 4 illustrates the preparation of compounds of formula (16). Instep 1, Scheme 4, commercially available tetrahydro-pyran-4-carboxylicacid esters, such as methyl or ethyl esters, of formula (13) is treatedwith suitable base, such as nBuLi in presence of HMPA in THF, followedby alkenyl halides, to form intermediate of formula (15). This reactioncan be carried out using any of the procedures known to one skilled inthe art, such as reported in the literature (Nagumo, S.; Matoba A.; etal, Tetrahedron, 2002, 58(49), 9871-9877; Stafford, J. A.; Heathcock, C.H. J. Org. Chem., 1990, 55(20), 5433-5434). In step 2, Scheme 4, thealkene (15) is cleaved with OsO₄ and NaIO₄ in propanol and water to formaldehyde (16).

The compounds of the present invention can be prepared by using theintermediates as prepared using the Schemes 1 to 4 and then employingeither Method (A) or Method (B) as illustrated further below.

Scheme 5 illustrates the preparation of compounds of this inventionusing Method (A). In step 1, Scheme 5, the aldehyde of formula (16) iscondensed with a desired intermediate of formula (12) by any of theknown reductive amination procedures to form an intermediate of formula(17). For instance, such condensation reactions are generally carriedout in the presence of reducing agents such as triacetoxyborohydride inan inert atmosphere, such as nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction can becarried out either at sub-ambient, ambient or super-ambient reactiontemperatures and pressures. Typically, such reactions are carried out atroom temperature at atmospheric pressure of nitrogen. The reactionmixture is then worked-up using procedures known to skilled in the artto isolate the intermediate of formula (17). The cyclization is theninitiated by catalytic amount of base, such as potassium t-butoxide inaprotic solvents, such THF, to form compounds of formula (18).

Method (A)

Schemes 6 and 7 illustrate the preparation of compounds of thisinvention by Method (B). The aldehyde of formula (16) is condensed witha desired commercially available bromide of formula (19) by any of theknown reductive amination procedures to form an intermediate of formula(20). For instance, such condensation reactions are generally carriedout in the presence of reducing agents such as triacetoxyborohydride inan inert atmosphere, such as nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction can becarried out either at sub-ambient, ambient or super-ambient reactiontemperatures and pressures. Typically, such reactions are carried out atroom temperature at atmospheric pressure of nitrogen. The reactionmixture is then worked-up using procedures known to skilled in the artto isolate the intermediate of formula (20). The cyclization is theninitiated by catalytic amount of base, such as potassium t-butoxide inaprotic solvents, such THF, to form compounds of formula (21). Theintermediate of formula (21) is then condensed with the amineintermediate (4) or (9) prepared according to Schemes 6 and 7 to formthe compounds of this invention (18).

Method B

As already noted hereinabove, the compounds of this invention canreadily be converted into salts. More particularly, the compounds of thepresent invention are basic, and as such compounds of this invention areuseful in the form of the free base or in the form of a pharmaceuticallyacceptable acid addition salt thereof. Acid addition salts may be a moreconvenient form for use; and, in practice, use of the salt forminherently amounts to use of the free base form. The acids which can beused to prepare the acid addition salts include preferably those whichproduce, when combined with the free base, pharmaceutically acceptablesalts, that is, salts whose anions are non-toxic to the patient inpharmaceutical doses of the salts, so that the beneficial inhibitoryeffects inherent in the free base are not vitiated by side effectsascribable to the anions. Although pharmaceutically acceptable salts ofsaid basic compound is preferred, all acid addition salts are useful assources of the free base form even if the particular salt, per se, isdesired only as an intermediate product as, for example, when the saltis formed only for purposes of purification, and identification, or whenit is used as intermediate in preparing a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt by ion exchange procedures.

In another aspect of this embodiment, a specific disease, a disorder ora condition that can be prevented and/or treated with the compound ofthis invention include, without any limitation the following:sleep-related disorders (specific examples include without anylimitation narcolepsy, attentional deficits, circadian rhythm sleepdisorders, obstructive sleep apnea, periodic limb movement and restlessleg syndrome, excessive sleepiness and drowsiness due to medicationside-effect, etc.), neurological disorders (specific examples that maybe enumerated include but not limited to dementia, Alzheimer's disease,multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and neuropathic pain), neuropsychologicaland cognitive disorders (a few of the specific examples include withoutany limitation include schizophrenia, attention deficit/hyperactivitydisorder, Alzheimer's disease, depression, seasonal affective disorder,and cognitive impairment). Certain of the disorders also includecognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia (CIAS), anxietydisorders such as generalized anxiety, panic disorder and post-traumaticstress disorder, and major depressive disorder. Other disorders includedementia of Alzheimer type (DAT), cognitive deficits related toneurological diseases such as Alzheimer, Parkinson, Huntington, agerelated cognitive impairment, mild cognitive impairment, vasculardementia, Lewis Body dementia and any other cognition associated tocognitive deficits.

As described hereinbelow by way of specific examples, the compounds offormula (I) bind to the H3 receptors and demonstrate inverse agonismversus H3 functional activity. Therefore, the compounds of thisinvention may have utility in the treatment of diseases or conditionsameliorated with H3 receptor ligands. More specifically, the compoundsof the present invention are H3 receptor ligands that modulate functionof the H3 receptor by antagonizing the activity of the receptor.Further, the compounds of this invention may be inverse agonists thatinhibit the basal activity of the receptor or they may be antagoniststhat completely block the action of receptor-activating agonists.Additionally, the compounds of this invention may also be partialagonists that partially block or partially activate the H3 receptor orthey may be agonists that activate the receptor. Thus the compounds ofthis invention may act differentially as antagonists, inverse agonistsand/or partial agonists depending on functional output, histamine toneand or tissue context. Accordingly, the differential activities of thesecompounds may allow for utility to ameliorate multiple disease states asspecifically enumerated above.

Thus in one aspect of this invention there is provided a method oftreating a disease in a patient, said disease selected from the groupconsisting of sleep related disorder, dementia, Alzheimer's disease,multiple sclerosis, cognitive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivitydisorder and depression, comprising administering to said patient atherapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I).

One of skill in the art readily appreciates that the pathologies anddisease states expressly stated herein are not intended to be limitingrather to illustrate the efficacy of the compounds of the presentinvention. Thus it is to be understood that the compounds of thisinvention may be used to treat any disease caused by the effects of H3receptors. That is, as noted above, the compounds of the presentinvention are modulators of H3 receptors and may be effectivelyadministered to ameliorate any disease state which is mediated all or inpart by H3 receptors.

All of the various embodiments of the compounds of this invention asdisclosed herein can be used in the method of treating various diseasestates as described herein. As stated herein, the compounds used in themethod of this invention are capable of inhibiting the effects of H3receptor and thereby alleviating the effects and/or conditions causeddue to the activity of H3.

In another embodiment of the method of this invention, the compounds ofthis invention can be administered by any of the methods known in theart. Specifically, the compounds of this invention can be administeredby oral, intramuscular, subcutaneous, rectal, intratracheal, intranasal,intraperitoneal or topical route.

Finally, in yet another embodiment of this invention, there is alsoprovided a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier and a compound of formula (I), including enantiomers,stereoisomers, and tautomers of said compound and pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts, solvates or derivatives thereof, with said compoundhaving the general structure shown in formula I as described herein.

As described herein, the pharmaceutical compositions of this inventionfeature H3 inhibitory activity and thus are useful in treating anydisease, condition or a disorder caused due to the effects of H3 in apatient. Again, as described above, all of the preferred embodiments ofthe compounds of this invention as disclosed herein can be used inpreparing the pharmaceutical compositions as described herein.

Preferably the pharmaceutical compositions of this invention are in unitdosage forms such as tablets, pills, capsules, powders, granules,sterile parenteral solutions or suspensions, metered aerosol or liquidsprays, drops, ampoules, auto-injector devices or suppositories; fororal, parenteral, intranasal, sublingual or rectal administration, orfor administration by inhalation or insufflation. Alternatively, thecompositions may be presented in a form suitable for once-weekly oronce-monthly administration; for example, an insoluble salt of theactive compound, such as the decanoate salt, may be adapted to provide adepot preparation for intramuscular injection. An erodible polymercontaining the active ingredient may be envisaged. For preparing solidcompositions such as tablets, the principal active ingredient is mixedwith a pharmaceutical carrier, e.g. conventional tableting ingredientssuch as corn starch, lactose, sucrose, sorbitol, talc, stearic acid,magnesium stearate, dicalcium phosphate or gums, and otherpharmaceutical diluents, e.g. water, to form a solid preformulationcomposition containing a homogeneous mixture of a compound of thepresent invention, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Whenreferring to these preformulation compositions as homogeneous, it ismeant that the active ingredient is dispersed evenly throughout thecomposition so that the composition may be readily subdivided intoequally effective unit dosage forms such as tablets, pills and capsules.This solid preformulation composition is then subdivided into unitdosage forms of the type described above containing from 0.1 to about500 mg of the active ingredient of the present invention. Flavored unitdosage forms contain from 1 to 100 mg, for example 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50or 100 mg, of the active ingredient. The tablets or pills of the novelcomposition can be coated or otherwise compounded to provide a dosageform affording the advantage of prolonged action. For example, thetablet or pill can comprise an inner dosage and an outer dosagecomponent, the latter being in the form of an envelope over the former.The two components can be separated by an enteric layer which serves toresist disintegration in the stomach and permits the inner component topass intact into the duodenum or to be delayed in release. A variety ofmaterials can be used for such enteric layers or coatings, suchmaterials including a number of polymeric acids and mixtures ofpolymeric acids with such materials as shellac, cetyl alcohol andcellulose acetate.

The liquid forms in which the novel compositions of the presentinvention may be incorporated for administration orally or by injectioninclude aqueous solutions, suitably flavored syrups, aqueous or oilsuspensions, and flavored emulsions with edible oils such as cottonseedoil, sesame oil, coconut oil or peanut oil, as well as elixirs andsimilar pharmaceutical vehicles. Suitable dispersing or suspendingagents for aqueous suspensions include synthetic and natural gums suchas tragacanth, acacia, alginate, dextran, sodium carboxymethylcellulose,methylcellulose, polyvinyl-pyrrolidone or gelatin.

The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention can be administered byany of the methods known in the art. In general, the pharmaceuticalcompositions of this invention can be administered by oral,intramuscular, subcutaneous, rectal, intratracheal, intranasal,intraperitoneal or topical route. The preferred administrations of thepharmaceutical composition of this invention are by oral and intranasalroutes. Any of the known methods to administer pharmaceuticalcompositions by an oral or an intranasal route can be used to administerthe composition of this invention.

In the treatment of various disease states as described herein, asuitable dosage level is about 0.01 to 250 mg/kg per day, preferablyabout 0.05 to 100 mg/kg per day, and especially about 0.05 to 20 mg/kgper day. The compounds may be administered on a regimen of 1 to 4 timesper day.

This invention is further illustrated by the following examples whichare provided for illustration purposes and in no way limit the scope ofthe present invention.

EXAMPLES General

As used in the examples and preparations that follow, the terms usedtherein shall have the meanings indicated: “kg” refers to kilograms, “g”refers to grams, “mg” refers to milligrams, “μg” refers to micrograms,“pg” refers to picograms, “lb” refers to pounds, “oz” refers to ounces,“mol” refers to moles, “mmol” refers to millimoles, “μmole” refers tomicromoles, “nmole” refers to nanomoles, “L” refers to liters, “mL” or“ml” refers to milliliters, “4” refers to microliters, “gal” refers togallons, “° C.” refers to degrees Celsius, “Rf” refers to retentionfactor, “mp” or “m.p.” refers to melting point, “dec” refers todecomposition, “bp” or “b.p.” refers to boiling point, “mm of Hg” refersto pressure in millimeters of mercury, “cm” refers to centimeters, “nm”refers to nanometers, “abs.” refers to absolute, “conc.” refers toconcentrated, “c” refers to concentration in g/mL, “DMSO” refers todimethyl sulfoxide, “DMF” refers to N,N-dimethylformamide, “CU” refersto 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole, “DCM” or “CH₂Cl₂” refers todichloromethane, “DCE” refers to 1,2-dichloroethane, “HCl” refers tohydrochloric acid, “EtOAc” refers to ethyl acetate, “PBS” refers toPhosphate Buffered Saline, “IBMX” refers to 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine,“PEG” refers to polyethylene glycol, “MeOH” refers to methanol, “MeNH₂”refers to methyl amine, “N₂” refers to nitrogen gas, “iPrOH” refers toisopropyl alcohol, “Et₂O” refers to ethyl ether, “LAH” refers to lithiumaluminum hydride, “heptane” refers to n-heptane, “HMBA-AM” resin refersto 4-hydroxymethylbenzoic acid amino methyl resin, “PdCl₂(dppf)₂” refersto 1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene-palladium (II) dichloride DCMcomplex, “HBTU” refers to2-(1H-benzotriazol-1-yl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate,“DIEA” refers to diisopropylethylamine, “CsF” refers to cesium fluoride,“MeI” refers to methyl iodide, “AcN,” “MeCN” or “CH₃CN” refers toacetonitrile, “TFA” refers to trifluoroacetic acid, “THF” refers totetrahydrofuran, “NMP” refers to 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, “H₂O” refersto water, “BOC” refers to t-butyloxycarbonyl, “brine” refers to asaturated aqueous sodium chloride solution, “M” refers to molar, “mM”refers to millimolar, “M” refers to micromolar, “nM” refers tonanomolar, “N” refers to normal, “TLC” refers to thin layerchromatography, “HPLC” refers to high performance liquid chromatography,“HRMS” refers to high resolution mass spectrum, “L.O.D.” refers to losson drying, “μCi” refers to microcuries, “i.p.” refers tointraperitoneally, “i.v.” refers to intravenously, anhyd=anhydrous;aq=aqueous; min=minute; hr=hour; d=day; sat.=saturated; s=singlet,d=doublet; t=triplet; q=quartet; m=multiplet; dd=doublet of doublets;br=broad; LC=liquid chromatograph; MS=mass spectrograph;ESI/MS=electrospray ionization/mass spectrograph; RT=retention time;M=molecular ion, “˜”=approximately.

Reactions generally are run under a nitrogen atmosphere. Solvents aredried over magnesium sulfate and are evaporated under vacuum on a rotaryevaporator. TLC analyses are performed with EM Science silica gel 60F254 plates with visualization by UV irradiation. Flash chromatographyis performed using Alltech prepacked silica gel cartridges. The ¹H NMRspectra are run at 300 MHz on a Gemini 300 or Varian Mercury 300spectrometer with an ASW 5 mm probe, and usually recorded at ambienttemperature in a deuterated solvent, such as D₂O, DMSO-D₆ or CDCl₃unless otherwise noted. Chemical shifts values ( ) are indicated inparts per million (ppm) with reference to tetramethylsilane (TMS) as theinternal standard.

High Pressure Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LCMS) experimentsto determine retention times (R_(T)) and associated mass ions areperformed using one of the following methods:

Mass Spectra (MS) are recorded using a Micromass mass spectrometer.Generally, the method used was positive electro-spray ionization,scanning mass m/z from 100 to 1000. Liquid chromatography was performedon a Hewlett Packard 1100 Series Binary Pump & Degasser; Auxiliarydetectors used were: Hewlett Packard 1100 Series UV detector,wavelength=220 nm and Sedere SEDEX 75 Evaporative Light Scattering (ELS)detector temperature=46° C., N₂ pressure=4 bar.LCT: Grad (AcN+0.05% TFA):(H₂O—F0.05% TFA)=5:95 (0 min) to 95:5 (2.5min) to 95:5 (3 min). Column: YMC Jsphere 33×2 4 μM, 1 ml/minMUX: Column: YMC Jsphere 33×2, 1 ml/minGrad (AcN+0.05% TFA):(H2O+0.05% TFA)=5:95 (0 min) to 95:5 (3.4 min) to95:5 (4.4 min).LCT2: YMC Jsphere 33×2 4 μM, (AcN+0.05% TFA):(H2O+0.05% TFA)=5:95 (0min) to 95:5 (3.4 min) to 95:5 (4.4 min)QU: YMC Jsphere 33×2 1 ml/min, (AcN-F0.08% formic acid):(H2O+0.1% formicacid)=5:95 (0 min) to 95:5 (2.5 min) to 95:5 (3.0 min)

The following examples describe the procedures used for the preparationof various starting materials employed in the preparation of thecompounds of this invention.

INTERMEDIATES Intermediate (i)2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester

To a solution of N—BOC-3-pyrrolidinone (4.22 g, 22.9 mmol) and2-methylpyrroline (1.95 g, 22.9 mmol) (HCl salt was made by addition of22.9 mL of 1 M HCl in ether into the DCM solution of 2-methylpyrroline,then evaporated) in DCE (60 mL) was added powdered sodiumtriacetoxyborohydride slowly under N₂ at r.t. The yellowish milkysolution was stirred at r.t. overnight. LC/MS—m/z 255 and 199 (base andM-tBu).

The reaction was quenched with aq. NaHCO₃ solution (100 mL). The twolayers were separated, and the aqueous layer was extracted with DCM (20mL×2). The combined DCM extracts were washed with sodium bicarbonate (10mL), and brine (5 mL×2), dried (anhydrous potassium carbonate),filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product was purified on asilica gel column, eluted with DCM and 7.5% MeOH in DCM to get 5.50 g(yield: 94%) of the title compound as a liquid. MS: 255 (M+H⁺); TLC: 0.5(10% MeOH in DCM).

Intermediate (ii) 2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl hydrochloride

2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (5.50g, 21.62 mmol) was treated with 20 mL of 4 M HCl in dioxane at 0° C. Thesolution was stirred under nitrogen at r.t. overnight. TLC (10% MeOH inDCM) did not detect the starting material. N₂ was passed through thesolution with stirring. The outlet was passed through KOH solution toabsorb HCl for 30 min. The solvent was removed by evaporation to drynessto get the title compound as a hygroscopic gummy material, 5.3 g(˜100%). This material was used without further purification insubsequent steps as illustrated below. LCMS: R_(T)=0.35 minutes, MS: 155(M+H).

¹H NMR (D₂O, 300 MHz): δ 4.30 (m), 3.85 (m), 3.76 (s), 3.5 (m), 3.46(m), 3.32 (m), 2.66 (m), 2.28 (m), 2.10 (m), 1.46 (bs).

Intermediate (iii) 4-(2-Propyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-piperidine

This intermediate is synthesized essentially in the same way asdescribed in the synthesis of 2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinylhydrochloride from 1.6 g of the ketone to obtain 1.48 g (94% yield) ofthe title product as a clear oil.

LC/MS: R_(T)=3.42 min.; MS: 197.19 (M+H)

NMR: ¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ 4.72 (1H, br), 3.28 (1H, d, J=12.65 Hz),3.04 (2H, m), 2.86-2.53 (4H, m), 2.05-1.47 (10H, m), 1.47 (3H, m), 0.93(3H, m)

Intermediate (iv) 4-(2-Isopropyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl)piperidine

This intermediate is synthesized essentially in the same way asdescribed in the synthesis of 2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinylhydrochloride from 1.6 g of the ketone to obtain 1.57 g (100% yield) ofthe title product as a clear oil.

LC/MS: R_(T)=3.69 min.; MS: 197.19 (M+H)

NMR: ¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ: 5.77 (1H, br), 3.35 (1H, m), 2.98 (2H,m), 2.84-2.46 (4H, m), 2.05-1.46 (10H, m), 0.86 (6H, dt, J=10.40, 6.05Hz)

Intermediate (v) 4-(2-Methoxymethyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-piperidine

This intermediate is synthesized essentially in the same way asdescribed in the synthesis of 2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinylhydrochloride from 1.6 g of the ketone to get 1.40 g (89% yield) of thetitle product as a clear oil.

LC/MS: 199 (M+H)

Intermediate (vi) 2-Propyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl

This intermediate is synthesized essentially in the same way asdescribed in the synthesis of 2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinylhydrochloride from 1.48 g of the ketone to get 1.46 g (100% yield) ofthe title product as a clear oil.

LC/MS: R_(T)=3.64 min.; MS: 183.18 (M+H)

NMR: ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: 3.39 (1H, m), 3.17 (1H, m), 2.94 (3H,m), 2.69-2.40 (4H, m), 2.13-1.10 (10H, m), 0.92 (3H, m)

Intermediate (vii) 2-Isopropyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl

This intermediate is synthesized essentially in the same way asdescribed in the synthesis of 2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinylhydrochloride from 1.48 g of the ketone to obtain 1.46 g (100% yield) ofthe title product as a clear oil.

LC/MS: R_(T)=0.45 min.; MS: 183.19 (M+H)

NMR: 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: 3.39 (1H, m), 3.17 (1H, m), 3.05-2.74(3H, m), 2.69-2.36 (3H, m), 2.10-1.69 (3H, m), 1.63 (4H, m), 0.84 (6H,m)

Intermediate (viii) 2-Methoxymethyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl

This intermediate is synthesized essentially in the same way asdescribed in the synthesis of 2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinylhydrochloride from 1.48 g of the ketone to obtain 1.47 g (100% yield) ofthe title product as a clear oil.

LC/MS: R_(T)=0.42 min.; MS: 185.16 (M+H)

NMR: ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: 3.38 (6H, m), 3.21 (2H, m), 3.06-2.40(6H, m), 2.14-1.57 (5H, m)

Intermediate (ix) 4-(2-Ethyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl)piperidine

This intermediate is synthesized essentially in the same way asdescribed in the synthesis of 2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinylhydrochloride from 912 mg of the ketone to get 800 mg (96% yield) of thetitle product as a clear oil.

LC/MS: R_(T)=3.57 min.; MS: 183.18 (M+H)

NMR: ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: 3.19-2.76 (4H, m), 2.57 (4H, m),2.15-1.20 (10H, m), 1.19 (1H, m), 0.86 (3H, t, J=7.51 Hz)

Intermediate (x) 2-Ethyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl

This intermediate is synthesized essentially in the same way asdescribed in the synthesis of 2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinylhydrochloride from 848 mg of the ketone to obtain 750 mg (97% yield) ofthe title product as a clear oil.

LC/MS: R_(T)=3.64 min.; MS: 169.16 (M+H)

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: 3.11-2.29 (8H, m), 2.19-1.11 (9H, m), 0.87(3H, t, J=7.51 Hz)

Intermediate (xi)2-Methyl-1′-(3-methyl-4-nitro-phenyl)[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl

2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl hydrochloride (Intermediate (ii) obtainedabove, 5.3 g, 21.6 mmol, 1.12 equiv.) was dissolved in anhydrous DMSO(30 mL). To this solution was added 5-fluoro-2-nitrotoluene (3.00 g,18.78 mmol, 1 equiv.), followed by powdered potassium carbonate (8.9 g,65 mmol). The suspension was heated on an oil bath to 85° C. for 4 hwhen the starting material was consumed as determined by TLC (5% MeOH inDCM) and LC/MS. To the suspension were added 20 mL of water and 50 mL ofDCM. The two layers were separated, and the aqueous layer was extractedwith DCM (20 mL×2). The combined DCM extracts were washed with sodiumbicarbonate (20 mL), and brine (15 mL×2), dried (anhydrous potassiumcarbonate), filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product waspurified on a silica gel column, eluted with 5% MeOH in DCM to get thetitle compound as a yellow solid after drying, 5.47 g (100%). MS: 290(M+H⁺).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃), δ (ppm): 8.10 (d, 9 Hz, 1H), 6.36 (bd, 9 Hz,1H), 6.28 (bs, 1H), 3.4-3.2 (m, 5H), 3.00-2.78 (m, 2H), 2.64 (s, 3H),1.7-2.2 (m, 6H), 1.5 (m, 1H), 1.06 (m, 3H).

Intermediate (xii) 4-(2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenylamine

A solution of 2-methyl-1′-(3-methyl-4-nitro-phenyl)[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl(Intermediate (iii) obtained above, 2.23 g, 7.7 mmol) in MeOH wasde-aerated and nitrogen was introduced. To this solution was added Pd—C(10%). This mixture was stirred under H₂ atmosphere at r.t. for 8 h. TLC(10% MeOH in DCM) and LC/MS showed the reaction was complete. Themixture was passed through a Celite pad, rinsed with methanol. Thefiltrate was concentrated to dryness, and further dried under highvacuum to yield a reddish brown liquid after drying under high vacuum toobtain the title compound as a gummy black liquid, 1.73 g (86%). Thismaterial was used in the next step without further purification andstorage. MS: 260 (M+H⁺).

Intermediate (xiii)(R)-3-(Toluene-4-sulfonyloxy)-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butylester

To a 2 L round-bottom flask equipped with a mechanical stirring rod anda 250 ml addition funnel was added p-tosyl chloride (58 g, 305 mmol, 1.5eq) and 600 ml of anhydrous DCM. The solution was cooled with ice-waterbath. Et₃N (65 ml) and DMAP (2.65 g) were added. A solution of(R)-3-(−)-N-Boc-hydroxy pyrrolidine (38 g, 203 mmol, 1.0 eq) in 200 mlof DCM was added slowly. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir atroom temperature over night. TLC showed completion of the reaction. Theproduct had an Rf value of 0.3 (TLC developed in DCM). The reaction wascooled by ice-water bath. Polymer-supported trisamine (32 g) was addedand stirred for 30 min. Trisamine bead was filtered and rinsed with300-400 mL of DCM. The organic solution was washed with 200 mL of H₃PO₄(1 M) solution twice, followed by saturated NaHCO₃ solution (200 mL),and brine (200 mL). The organic phase was dried over K₂CO₃. Afterconcentration, the crude product was purified by a 750 g silica gelcartridge (DCM to 5% MeOH in DCM) to afford the title compound as abeige oil (52 g, 75%).

MS: 363 (M+Na⁺); TLC (DCM) Rf=0.3.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 300 MHz), δ (ppm): 7.80 (d, 9.0 Hz, 2H), 7.35 (d, 7.8 Hz,2H), 5.04 (bs, 1H), 3.45 (m, 4H), 2.46 (bs, 3H), 2.05 (m, 2H), 1.43 (s,9H).

Intermediate (xiv)(S)-3-(Toluene-4-sulfonyloxy)-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butylester

A round bottomed flask was charged with 80 mL of anhydrous DCM. Thesolvent was evacuated and purged with nitrogen. To this solvent wasadded (3S)-1-BOC-3-pyrrolidinol (obtained from Astatech), (16.32 g, 33.8mmol), DMAP (0.4 g). The solution was cooled to an ice-water bath. Tothis cold solution was added a solution of p-toluene-sulfonyl chloride(9.67 g, 50.87 mmol, 1.5 equiv.) in 20 mL of DCM. The ice-water bath wasremoved and the solution was stirred under nitrogen overnight. TLC (5%MeOH in DCM for SM, 12 visualization; DCM for product, UV) showed thecompletion of the reaction. The reaction was quenched by addition ofpolymer-supported amine (4.5 g), stirred 30 min. 50 mL of DCM was addedand filtered. The filtration pad was washed with DCM. The organic waswashed with H₃PO₄ (1M, 2×50 mL), followed by NaHCO₃ (50 mL, brine (50mL), dried (K₂CO₃), filtered and concentrated to a liquid. This waspurified on a 110 g silica gel column on Analogix using 0-2% MeOH in DCMto obtain pure product, 8.82 g (77% yield).

TLC (DCM) Rf=0.3. LC: Rt=3.55 min, 100% pure based on total ion, MS: 363(M+Na); 342, 327, 286 (base).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃), δ (ppm): 7.81 (d, 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.37 (d, 8.7 Hz,2H), 5.04 (bs, 1H), 3.45 (m, 4H), 2.46 (s, 3H), 1.44 (s, 9H).

Intermediate (xv) (2S,3′S)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-carboxylicacid tert-butyl ester

The tosylate (52 g, 0.15 mol, 1.0 eq), (2S)-2-methylpyrrolidine (25.2 g,0.3 mol, 2.0 eq), anhydrous CH₃CN (500 ml), and dry K₂CO₃ powder (50 g,36 mmol, 2.4 eq) were added to a 2 L round-bottom flask equipped with amechanical stirrer and a reflux condenser. The resulting suspension wasstirred at 75° C. for 20 h. The heating block was set at 88° C.

LC/MS showed a small amount of starting material at m/z 363. Thereaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was partitionedbetween 200 mL of water and 400 mL of DCM. The aqueous layer was washedwith 50 mL of DCM twice. The organic extracts were combined and washedwith 150 mL of saturated NaHCO₃ solution, 150 mL of brine, and driedover K₂CO₃. The crude was purified by silica gel column, eluted with5-10% MeOH in DCM. The product still had weak UV absorption at 254 nmand 280 nm. A pale yellow oil was obtained. Yield: 24.5 g (64%).

LCMS: R_(T)=1.27 minutes, MS: 255 (M+H).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃), δ (ppm): 3.15 (m, 2H), 3.3 (m, 3H), 2.97 (m,1H), 2.71 (m, 1H), 2.47 (m, 1H), 1.98 (m, 2H), 1.96-1.67 (m, 4H), 1.46(s, 9H), 1.06 (d, 6.2 Hz, 3H).

Intermediate (xvi) (2R,3′S)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-carboxylicacid tert-butyl ester

The title compound was prepared in a manner substantially the same asintermediate (2R,3′S)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-carboxylic acidtert-butyl ester by condensing3-(3R)-(toluene-4-sulfonyloxy)-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butylester with R-(−)-2-methylpiperindine (obtained from AdvancedAsymmetrics). LCMS: R_(T)=1.05 minutes, MS: 255 (M+H).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃), δ (ppm): 3.30 (m, 1H), 3.14 (bs, 2H), 2.91 (m,1H), 2.75 (m, 1H), 2.51 (m, 1H), 2.07-1.69 (m, 6H), 1.46 (s, 9H), 1.10(d, 6.0 Hz, 3H).

Intermediate (xvii)

(2S,3¹R)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-carboxylic acid tert-butylester

3-(3S)-(Toluene-4-sulfonyloxy)-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butylester (6.82 g, 19.97 mmol, 1 equiv.) and S-(+)-2-methyl-piperindine(obtained from Advanced Asymmetrics), (3.40 g, 40 mmol, 2 equiv.) weredissolved in anhydrous CH₃CN (65 mL). To this colorless solution wasadded powder K₂CO₃ (powder, 325 mess, 98+%, 6.10 g, 44.2 mmol, 2.2equiv.) at r.t. The suspension was heated with stirring under nitrogenover an oil bath maintained at 80° C. for 24 h. TLC (3% MeOH in DCM forSM, 7.5% MeOH in DCM for product) showed the SM was consumed almostcompletely. LC/MS showed very little amount of starting material at m/z363.

The suspension was concentrated to dryness. The residue was taken inwater (25 mL) and DCM (80 mL). The two layers were separated, and theaqueous layer was extracted with DCM (20 mL×2). The combined DCMextracts were washed with sodium bicarbonate (25 mL), and brine (25 mL),dried (anhydrous potassium carbonate), filtered, and concentrated invacuo. The crude product was purified on a silica gel column (70 g) onAnalogix, eluted with MeOH in DCM (0 to 7.5%) to obtain 4.08 g (80.3%)of the title compound as a gummy material. LCMS: R_(T)=1.14 minutes, MS:255 (M+H).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃), δ (ppm): 3.30 (m, 1H), 3.14 (bs, 2H), 2.91 (m,1H), 2.75 (m, 1H), 2.51 (m, 1H), 2.07-1.69 (m, 6H), 1.46 (s, 9H), 1.10(d, 6.0 Hz, 3H).

Intermediate (xviii)(2R,3¹R)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-carboxylic acid tert-butylester

The title compound was prepared in a manner substantially the same asintermediate (2R,3′S)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-carboxylic acidtert-butyl ester by condensing3-(35)-(toluene-4-sulfonyloxy)-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butylester and R-(−)-2-methylpiperindine (obtained from AdvancedAsymmetrics). LCMS: R_(T)=1.09 minutes, MS: 255 (M+H).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃), δ (ppm): 3.15 (m, 2H), 3.3 (m, 3H), 2.97 (m,1H), 2.71 (m, 1H), 2.47 (m, 1H), 1.98 (m, 2H), 1.96-1.67 (m, 4H), 1.46(s, 9H), 1.06 (d, 6.2 Hz, 3H).

Intermediate (xix)(S)-3-((S)-2-Methyl-piperidin-1-yl)-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acidtert-butyl ester

The title compound was prepared in a manner substantially the same asintermediate (2R,3′S)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-carboxylic acidtert-butyl ester by condensing3-(3R)-(toluene-4-sulfonyloxy)-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butylester (5 g) with (S)-2-Methyl-piperidine to get 1.50 g (38% yield) ofthe product as a beige oil.

LC/MS: R_(T)=1.95 mins. MS: 269.

Intermediate (xx)4-((2S,3′S)-2-Methyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-piperidine-1-carboxylic acidtert-butyl ester

The title compound was prepared in a manner substantially the same asintermediate (2R,3′S)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-carboxylic acidtert-butyl ester by condensing4-(Toluene-4-sulfonyloxy)-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl esterwith (S)-(−)-2-methylpiperindine to get 2.60 g (97% yield) of theproduct as a pale yellow oil.

LC/MS: R_(T)=2.13 mins. MS: 269.

Intermediate (xxi)

(2S,3¹R)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl dihydrochloride

2(2S)-Methyl-[1,3′(3′R)]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-carboxylic acid tert-butylester (7.91 g, 31.14 mmol) was treated with 28.8 mL of HCl in dioxane at0° C. The solution was stirred under nitrogen at r.t. overnight. BothTLC (10% MeOH in DCM) and LC/MS did not detect the starting material. N₂was passed through the solution with stirring. The outlet was passedthrough KOH solution to absorb HCl for 1 h. The solvent was removed byevaporation to dryness to get the title compound as a hygroscopic verythick gummy (2HCl salt, hydrated—Exact composition unknown), 8.07 g(˜100%).

MS: 155 (M+H).

¹H NMR: (D₂O, 300 MHz), δ (ppm): 11.6 (bs, 1H), 9.1 (bs, 1H) 4.12 (m,1H) 3.5, (m, 2H), 3.3-3.1 (m, 3H), 2.4-2.1 (m, 4H), 2.4 (m, 2H), 1.6 (m,1H), 1.4 (d, 6.0 Hz, 3H).

Intermediate (xxii) (2S,3′S)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyldihydrochloride

(2S,3′S)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-carboxylic acid tert-butylester (24.5 g) was dissolved in 30 ml of dry 1,4-dioxane. HCl solution(85 ml, 4M in dioxane) was added at 0° C., and allowed to stir at roomtemperature. Brown gum appeared after about 20 minutes. After 4 h, thereaction was complete. N₂ was passed through the flask for 1 h withstirring. The outlet passed though KOH solution to absorb HCl. Thesolvent was removed by vacuum to afford 29 g of hygroscopic beige gum.

LCMS: R_(T)=0.37 minutes, MS: 155 (M+H). ¹H NMR: (D₂O, 300 MHz), δ(ppm): 11.6 (bs, 1H), 9.1 (bs, 1H) 4.12 (m, 1H) 3.5, (m, 2H), 3.3-3.1(m, 3H), 2.4-2.1 (m, 4H), 2.4 (m, 2H), 1.6 (m, 1H), 1.4 (d, 6.0 Hz, 3H)

Intermediate (xxiii) (2R,3′S)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyldihydrochloride

The title compound was prepared in a manner substantially the same asintermediate (2S,3¹R)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl dihydrochloride byacid hydrolysis of 2(2R)-methyl-[1,3′(3′S)]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-carboxylicacid tert-butyl ester.

MS: 155 (M+H).

¹H NMR: (D₂O, 300 MHz), δ (ppm): 11.6 (bs, 1H), 9.1 (bs, 1H) 4.12 (m,1H) 3.5, (m, 2H), 3.3-3.1 (m, 3H), 2.4-2.1 (m, 4H), 2.4 (m, 2H), 1.6 (m,1H), 1.4 (d, 6.0 Hz, 3H).

Intermediate (xxiv) (2R,3¹R)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyldihydrochloride

The title compound was prepared in a manner substantially the same asintermediate (2S,3¹R)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl dihydrochloride byacid hydrolysis of 2-(2R)-methyl-[1,3′(3′R)]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-carboxylicacid tert-butyl ester.

MS: 155 (M+H).

¹H NMR: (D₂O, 300 MHz), δ (ppm): 11.6 (bs, 1H), 9.1 (bs, 1H) 4.12 (m,1H) 3.5, (m, 2H), 3.3-3.1 (m, 3H), 2.4-2.1 (m, 4H), 2.4 (m, 2H), 1.6 (m,1H), 1.4 (d, 6.0 Hz, 3H)

Intermediate (xxv) 4-((2S,3′S)-2-Methyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl)piperidine

The title compound was prepared in a manner substantially the same asintermediate (2S,3¹R)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl dihydrochloride byacid hydrolysis of BOC-4-((2S,3′S)-2-Methyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl)piperidinewhich was synthesized by condensation of tosylate with(S)-(−)-2-methylpyrrolidine to get 1.28 g (95% yield) of the titleproduct as a clear oil.

LC/MS: 3.6 min.; MS: 169.17 (M+H)

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 3.12 (2H, m), 2.88 (2H, m), 2.59 (4H,m), 2.02-1.59 (6H, m), 1.59-1.31 (3H, m), 1.05 (3H, d, J=6.05 Hz)

Intermediate (xxvi) (S)-2-Methyl-[1,4]bipiperidinyl

The title compound was prepared in a manner substantially the same asintermediate (2S,3¹R)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl dihydrochloride byacid hydrolysis of BOC—(S)-2-Methyl-[1,4]bipiperidinyl which wassynthesized by condensation of corresponding tosylate with(S)-(−)-2-methylpiperindine to get 1.37 g (94% yield) of the titleproduct as a clear oil.

LC/MS: R_(T)=3.82 min.; MS: 183 (M+H)

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 3.11 (2H, m), 2.86 (2H, m), 2.58 (4H,m), 2.17 (1H, m), 1.91 (1H, m) 1.66 (5H, m), 1.51-1.20 (4H, m), 1.07(3H, d, J=6.23 Hz)

Intermediate (xxvii)(2S,3¹R)-2-Methyl-1′-(3-methyl-4-nitro-phenyl)-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl

2(2S)-Methyl-[1,3′(3′R)]bipyrrolidinyl (0.23 g, 1.2 mmol) was dissolvedin anhydrous DMSO (5 mL) in a flask. To this solution was added5-fluoro-2-nitrotoluene (223 mg, 1.44 mmol), followed by powderedanhydrous potassium carbonate (662 mg, 4.8 mmol). The suspension washeated on an oil bath to 85° C. for 4 h when the starting material wasconsumed as shown by TLC (5% MeOH/DCM) and LC/MS. MS: 290 (base peak).

To the suspension were added 2 mL of water and 5 mL of DCM. The twolayers were separated, and the aqueous layer was extracted with DCM (10mL×2). The combined DCM extracts were washed with sodium bicarbonate (5mL), and brine (5 mL×2), dried (anhydrous potassium carbonate),filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product was purified on asilica gel column, eluted with 5% MeOH in DCM to get the title compoundas a yellow solid after drying. LCMS: R_(T)=1.38 minutes, MS: 290 (M+H).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃), δ (ppm): 8.10 (d, 9.1 Hz, 1H), 6.36 (dd, 9.2,2.5 Hz, 1H), 6.28 (d, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 3.654 (m, 2H), 3.37 (m, 3H), 2.99(dt, 3.7 Hz, 8.8 Hz, 1H), 2.84 (sixtet, 6.6 Hz, 1H), 2.65 (s, 3H), 2.56(q, 8.1 Hz, 1H), 2.31 (m, 2H), 2.11 (m, 2H) 1.87 (m, 1H), 1.08 (d, 6.2Hz, 3H).

The analytical chiral HPLC conditions used were as follows: Isocratic100% isopropanol with 0.5% IPAmine 5 ml/min outlet pressure 150 bar, 200nM. The results obtained were as follows: R_(T)=10.92 min; ee 99%

Intermediate (xxviii)2-(2S)-Methyl-1′-(3-methyl-4-nitro-phenyl)-[1,3′(3′S)]bipyrrolidinyl

The title compound was prepared in a manner substantially the same asabove by condensing 2(2S)methyl-[1,3′(3S)]bipyrrolidinyl and5-fluoro-2-nitrotoluene.

LCMS: R_(T)=1.43 minutes, MS: 290 (M+H).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃), δ (ppm): 8.10 (d, 9.2 Hz, 1H), 6.36 (dd, 9.2,2.8 Hz, 1H), 6.28 (d, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 3.6 (m, 2H), 3.3 (m, 3H), 3.00-2.78(dt, 3.5 Hz, 8.8 Hz, 2H), 2.79 (m, 1H), 2.64 (s, 3H), 2.56 (m, 1H), 2.03(m, 2H), 1.98 (m, 2H) 1.45 (m, 1H), 1.08 (d, 6.2 Hz, 3H).

The analytical chiral HPLC conditions used were as follows: Isocratic100% isopropanol with 0.5% IPAmine 5 ml/min outlet pressure 150 bar, 200nM. The results used were as follows: R_(T)=8.16 min; ee 100%.

Intermediate (xxix)2-(2R)-Methyl-1′-(3-methyl-4-nitro-phenyl)-[1,3′(3′S)]bipyrrolidinyl

The title compound was prepared in a manner substantially the same asabove by condensing 2(2R)-methyl-[1,3′(3′S)]bipyrrolidinyl and5-fluoro-2-nitrotoluene.

LCMS: R_(T)=1.41 minutes, MS: 290 (M+H).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃), δ (ppm): 8.10 (d, 9.1 Hz, 1H), 6.36 (dd, 9.2,2.5 Hz, 1H), 6.28 (d, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 3.654 (m, 2H), 3.37 (m, 3H), 2.99(dt, 3.7 Hz, 8.8 Hz, 1H), 2.84 (sixtet, 6.6 Hz, 1H), 2.65 (s, 3H), 2.56(q, 8.1 Hz, 1H), 2.31 (m, 2H), 2.11 (m, 2H) 1.87 (m, 1H), 1.08 (d, 6.2Hz, 3H).

The analytical chiral HPLC conditions used were as follows: Isocratic100% isopropanol with 0.5% IPAmine 5 ml/min outlet pressure 150 bar, 200nM. The results used were as follows: R_(T)=11.93 min; ee 100%.

Intermediate (xxx)2-(2R)-Methyl-1′-(3-methyl-4-nitro-phenyl)-[1,3′(3′R)]bipyrrolidinyl

The title compound was prepared in a manner substantially the same asabove by condensing 2(2R)-Methyl-[1,3′(3′R)]bipyrrolidinyl and5-fluoro-2-nitrotoluene.

LCMS: R_(T)=1.43 minutes, MS: 290 (M+H).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃), δ (ppm): 8.10 (d, 9.2 Hz, 1H), 6.36 (dd, 9.2,2.8 Hz, 1H), 6.28 (d, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 3.6 (m, 2H), 3.3 (m, 3H), 3.00-2.78(dt, 3.5 Hz, 8.8 Hz, 2H), 2.79 (m, 1H), 2.64 (s, 3H), 2.56 (m, 1H), 2.03(m, 2H), 1.98 (m, 2H) 1.45 (m, 1H), 1.08 (d, 6.2 Hz, 3H).

The analytical chiral HPLC conditions used were as follows: Isocratic100% isopropanol with 0.5% IPAmine 5 ml/min outlet pressure 150 bar, 200nM. The results used were as follows: R_(T)=8.95 min; ee 100%.

Intermediate (xxxi)2-Methyl-4-(2-(2S)-methyl-[1,3′(3′R)]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenylamine

A solution of2-(2S)-methyl-1′-(3-methyl-4-nitro-phenyl)-[1,3′(3′R)]bipyrrolidinyl(2.02 g, 6.98 mmol) in MeOH (40 mL) was de-aerated and nitrogen wasintroduced. To this solution was added Pd—C (10%, 0.2 g). This mixturewas stirred under H₂ atmosphere at r.t. for 4 h. TLC (10% MeOH in DCM)and LC/MS showed the reaction was complete, and the product was detectedby MS at 261. The mixture was passed through a Celite pad, rinsed withmethanol. The filtrate was concentrated to dryness, and further dried toyield the title compound as a reddish brown liquid after drying underhigh vacuum, 1.81 g (100%). LC/MS: 260, TLC (10% MeOH/DCM): 0.3 Rf.

Intermediate (xxxii)2-Methyl-4-(2-(25)-methyl-[1,3′(3′S)]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenylamine

The title compound was prepared in a manner substantially the same asintermediate (xxiii) by hydrogenation of2-(2S)Methyl-1′-(3-methyl-4-nitro-phenyl)-[1,3′(3′S)]bipyrrolidinyl.LC/MS: 260, TLC (10% MeOH/DCM): 0.3 Rf.

Intermediate (xxxiii)2-Methyl-4-(2-(2R)-methyl-[1,3′(3′S)]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenylamine

The title compound was prepared in a manner substantially the same asintermediate (xxiii) by hydrogenation of2-(2R)-methyl-1′-(3-methyl-4-nitro-phenyl)-[1,3′(3′S)]bipyrrolidinyl.LC/MS: 260, TLC (10% MeOH/DCM): Rf=0.3.

Intermediate (xxxiv)2-Methyl-4-(2(2R)-methyl-[1,3′(3′R)]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenylamine

The title compound was prepared in a manner substantially the same asintermediate (xxiii) by hydrogenation of2-(2R)-Methyl-1′-(3-methyl-4-nitro-phenyl)-[1,3′(3′R)]bipyrrolidinyl.LC/MS: 260, TLC (10% MeOH/DCM): Rf=0.3.

Intermediate (xxxv) 4-Allyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-carboxylic acid methylester

In a 250-mL RBF was weighed 6.1 g (60 mmol) of diisopropylamine anddissolved in THF (100 mL). This solution was cooled to −78° C. To thiswas added 37.5 mL of 1.6M butyllithium in hexane, stirred for 15 min,warmed up to 0° C. for 20 min, re-cooled to −78° C.

To this was added tetrahydro-pyran-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (7.2g, 50 mmol) in THF (10 mL). There was almost no color change (light alittle bit). This was stirred at −78° C. for 45 min. Then, a mixture of5 g of HMPA and 10.92 g of allyl iodide was added via canula. Towards90% of addition, white precipitate formed suddenly. This mixture wasstirred at −78° C. for 20 min, then, the dry ice bath was removed andthe stirring was continued to allow the reaction mixture to warm to r.t.over 30 min. When the precipitate was dissolved, the reaction mixturewas poured into ice-water (100 mL) and ether (50 mL). The two layerswere separated; the aqueous layer was extracted with ether (3×50 mL).The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried (K2CO3),filtered, and concentrated in vacuo to get 8.75 g (95% yield) of thetitle compound as a yellow liquid.

LCMS R_(T)=2.70 min.; MS185 (M+H).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃), δ (ppm): 5.55 (m, 1H), 5.02 (m, 2H), 3.85 (dt,3.9 Hz, 12.0 Hz, 2H), 3.71 (s, 3H), 3.44 (dt, 2.4 Hz, 11.4 Hz, 2H), 2.30(d, 7.5 Hz, 2H), 2.09 (m 2H), 1.54 (m, 2H).

Intermediate (xxxvi) 4-(2-Oxo-ethyl)tetrahydro-pyran-4-carboxylic acidmethyl ester

4-Allyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (11 g, 59.78mmol) was dissolved in iPrOH (300 mL). To this was added a aqueoussolution of NaIO₄ (28 g, 130.4 mmol, 2.18 equiv.) in water (300 mL),followed by addition of OsO₄ (50 mg, crystals, in one portion) at rt.The solution was stirred with a mechanical stirrer at rt (water bath).After 30 min, milky cloudy product was formed. Stirring was continuedfor 4 h. TLC (1% MeOH in DCM, and 5% MeOH in DCM) did not detect the SM.An aliquot was taken and dissolved in CDCl₃ to run NMR, there was noalkene peak in the sample. The reaction was judged to be complete. Thereaction mixture was poured into ice water (200 mL) and EtOAc (200 mL).The two layers were separated and the aqueous layer was extracted withEtOAc (5×50 mL). More water was added to dissolve the solid resulting ina clear solution. The combined extracts were washed with brine, andconcentrated to dryness to get a liquid. The liquid was subject to areduced pressure distillation to remove isopropanol. The remainingliquid was purified on a 80-g silica gel column, eluted with MeOH inDCM: 0% 0-5 min; 5-10% 5-25 min. 10-12% 25-60 min. Note: the product isnot UV active. Anisaldehyde visualization was used. The productfractions were collected and concentrated to yield a liquid 6.6 g (60%yield) of the title compound.

LCMS: R_(T)=1.26 min.; MS: 187(M+H).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃), δ (ppm): 9.68 (s, 1H), 3.85 (dt, 3.9 Hz, 12.0Hz, 2H), 3.71 (s, 3H), 3.44 (dt, 2.4 Hz, 11.4 Hz, 2H), 2.30 (d, 7.5 Hz,2H), 2.09 (m 2H), 1.54 (m, 2H).

Intermediate (xxxvii)4-[2-(4-Bromo-2-methyl-phenylamino)-ethyl]-tetrahydro-pyran-4-carboxylicacid methyl ester

2-Methyl-4-bromo-aniline (1.20 g, 6.45 mmol) was dissolved in DCE (30mL); to this solution was transferred a solution of4-(2-oxo-ethyl)-tetrahydro-pyran-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (1.20 g,6.44 mmol in DCE (30 mL). The flask was submerged in a water bath at rt.To this clear solution was then added acetic acid (1.2 g, 20 mmol, 3.1equiv), followed by addition of powder NaBH(OAc)₃ (24.1 g, 19.3 mmol, 3equiv. in 2 portions under N2 at r.t. The yellowish milky suspension wasstirred at r.t. overnight. LC/MS showed m/z 356/358 at t=3.955 min.along with small amount of aniline sm at 2.078 (186/188). There was nodi-alkylated product detected (MW 526.47). TLC (5% of MeOH in DCM)showed no SM aldehyde, but aniline. The reaction was diluted with DCM(30 mL), cooled to ice-water bath, and quenched with an aqueous solutionof 10 mL of conc. NH₄OH (7.45M) in 30 mL of water. (2 M of NH₄OH). Thetwo layers were separated, and the aqueous layer was extracted with DCM(20 mL×2). The combined DCM extracts were washed with sodium bicarbonate(20 mL), and brine (20 mL), dried (anhydrous potassium carbonate),filtered, and concentrated. The product was purified on a 40-g silicagel column (0-5% B: 0-4 min; 5-15% B 4-13 min; 20% B: 13-25 min (B is10% MeOH in DCM) to get 2.00 g (87%) of the title compound as an oil.

LCMS: R_(T)=3.29 min.; MS: 356 (M+H).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃), δ (ppm): 7.20 (dd, 2.3 Hz, 8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.14(m, 1H), 6.42 (d, 8.4 Hz, 1H), 3.86 (dt, 3.6 Hz, 11.7 Hz, 2H), 3.69 (s,3H), 3.51 (dt, 2.4 Hz, 11.4 Hz, 3H), 3.12 (m, 2H), 2.17 (m, 1H), 2.07(s, 3H), 1.91 (t, 7.5 Hz, 3H), 1.58 (m, 2H).

Intermediate (xxxviii)4-[2-(4-Bromo-2-fluoro-phenylamino)-ethyl]tetrahydro-pyran-4-carboxylicacid methyl ester

This intermediate is synthesized essentially in the same way asdescribed above from 850 g of the aldehyde to obtain 1.4 g (85% yield)of the title product as tan oil.

LCMS: R_(T)=1.05 min.; MS: 360 (M+H)

Intermediate (xxxix)4-[2-(4-Bromo-phenylamino)-ethyl]-tetrahydro-pyran-4-carboxylic acidmethyl ester

This intermediate is synthesized in the same way as described above from850 g of the aldehyde to get 1.32 g (85% yield) of the title product astan oil.

LCMS: R_(T)=1.0 min.; MS: 342 (M+H)

Intermediate (xxxx)4-[2-(4-Bromo-2-trifluoromethyl-phenylamino)-ethyl]-tetrahydro-pyran-4-carboxylicacid methyl ester

This intermediate is synthesized in the same way as described above from850 g of the aldehyde to get 1.66 g (89% yield) of the title product asbrown oil.

LCMS: R_(T)=1.12 min.; MS: 410 (M+H)

Intermediate (xxxxi)4-[2-(4-Bromo-2-ethyl-phenylamino)-ethyl]-tetrahydro-pyran-4-carboxylicacid methyl ester

This intermediate is synthesized in the same way as described above from850 g of the aldehyde to get 1.39 g (82% yield) of the title product asbrown oil.

LCMS: R_(T)=1.10 min.; MS: 370 (M+H)

Intermediate (xxxxii)2-(4-Bromo-2-methyl-phenyl)-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one

To a clear solution of4-[2-(4-Bromo-2-methyl-phenylamino)-ethyl]-tetrahydro-pyran-4-carboxylicacid methyl ester (2 g, 5.6 mmol) in THF (80 mL) was added a solution ofpotassium t-butoxide (1M in THF) 2.5 mL (2.5 mmol, 0.45 equiv.) at r.t.(water bath at rt). The clear solution turned a little bit cloudy. After30 min, TLC (5% MeOH in DCM) showed the reaction is complete (spot tospot), LC/MS detected the product peak of 324/326 (t 3.267 min). Thereaction was cooled tin an ice-water bath, diluted with 100 mL of DCM,quenched with 20 mL of water. The two layers were separated. The aqueouslayer was extracted with DCM (2×20 mL). The combined DCM extracts werewashed with brine, and concentrated on rotavap to yield 1.79 g (98%yield) of the title product as a white solid.

LCMS: R_(T)=3.27 min.; MS: 324 (M+H).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃), δ (ppm): 7.42 (d, 2.1 Hz, 1H), 7.36 (dd, 2.1Hz, 8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.00 (d, 8.4 Hz, 1H), 4.06 (dt, 4.2 Hz, 11.7 Hz, 2H),3.61 (m, 4H), 2.21 (t, 6.9 Hz, 2H), 2.17 (s, 3H), 2.11 (m, 2H), 1.51 (m,2H).

Intermediate (xxxxiii)2-(4-Bromo-2-fluoro-phenyl)-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one

This intermediate is synthesized in the same way as described above from1.40 g of the ester to get 590 mg (46% yield) of the title product as atan solid.

LCMS: R_(T)=3.25 min.; MS: 328 (M+H).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: 7.34 (3H, m), 4.03 (2H, dt, J=11.73, 4.22Hz), 3.76 (2H, t, J=6.96 Hz), 3.60 (2H, m), 2.19 (2H, t, J=6.96 Hz),2.08 (2H, m), 1.51 (2H, d, J=13.56 Hz).

Intermediate (xxxxiv)2-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one

This intermediate is synthesized essentially in the same way asdescribed above from 1.32 g of the ester to obtain 760 mg (63% yield) ofthe title product as a tan solid.

LCMS: R_(T)=3.42 min.; MS: 310 (M+H).

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ: 7.46 (2H, m), 7.57 (2H, m), 4.03 (2H, dt,J=11.73, 4.22 Hz), 3.78 (2H, t, J=6.78 Hz), 3.58 (2H, td, J=10.81, 2.57Hz), 2.17 (2H, t, J=6.96 Hz), 2.08 (2H, m), 1.46 (2H, d, J=13.56 Hz).

Intermediate (xxxxv)2-(4-Bromo-2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one

This intermediate is synthesized essentially in the same way asdescribed above from 1.66 g of the ester to obtain 840 mg (55% yield) ofthe title product as a tan solid.

LCMS: R_(T)=3.45 min.; MS: 378 (M+H).

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ: 7.87 (1H, d, J=2.20 Hz), 7.74 (1H, dd, J=8.43,1.83 Hz) 7.15 (1H, d, J=8.43 Hz), 4.03 (2H, dt, J=11.73, 4.40 Hz), 3.63(4H, m), 2.22 (2H, t, J=6.96 Hz), 2.08 (2H, m), 1.51 (2H, d, J=13.75Hz).

Intermediate (xxxxvi)2-(4-Bromo-2-ethyl-phenyl)-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one

Intermediate (xxxxvii)

This intermediate is synthesized essentially in the same way asdescribed above from 1.39 g of the ester to obtain 560 mg (55% yield) ofthe title product as a tan solid.

MS: 338.08 (M+H).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: 7.45 (1H, d, J=2.20 Hz), 7.35 (1H, dd,J=8.43, 2.20 Hz), 6.97 (1H, d, J=8.43 Hz), 4.04 (2H, dt, J=11.73, 4.22Hz), 3.62 (4H, m), 2.51 (2H, q, J=7.51 Hz), 2.21 (2H, t, J=6.96 Hz),1.49 (2H, d, 13.38 Hz), 1.20 (3H, t, J=7.51 Hz).

Intermediate (xxxxviii) 4-But-3-enyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-carboxylic acidmethyl ester

In a 250-mL round bottom flask was weighed 6.1 g (60 mmol) ofdiisopropylamine and dissolved in THF. This solution was cooled to −78°C. To this was added 24 mL of 2 M butyllithium in hexane and stirred for15 min, warmed up to 0° C. for 20 min, re-cooled to −78° C. To this wasadded tetrahydro-pyran-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (7.2 g, 50 mmol)in THF (10 mL). There was almost no color change (light a little bit).This was stirred at −78° C. for 45 min. Then, a mixture of 5 g of HMPAand bromo-butene (8.78 g, 65 mmol) was added via cannula at −78° C.There was no noticeable change. About half was added, the ice-acetonebath was removed. When addition was complete, the flask was submergedinto an ice-water bath, stirred for 20 min; then, rt for 2 h. TLC(EtOAc/Heptane 1:1, paraldehyde visualization) showed the reaction wascomplete. The reaction mixture was poured into ice-water (100 mL) andether (50 mL). The two layers were separated; the aqueous layer wasextracted with ether (3×50 mL). The combined organic layers were washedwith brine, dried (K₂CO₃), filtered, and concentrated in vacuo to obtain10.4 g (87%) of the title product as a slightly yellow liquid. Thematerial is pure enough to be used in the next step reaction withoutfurther purification.

LCMS: R_(T)=3.07 min.; MS: 199 (M+H).

NMR (CDCl₃, 300 MHz) δ: 5.78 (ddt, 8.4 Hz, 11.7 Hz, 6.6 Hz, 1H), 4.97(m, 2H), 3.90 (dt, 3.9 Hz, 11.7 Hz, 2H), 3.72 (s, 3H), 3.41 (dt, 2.6 Hz,11.7 Hz, 2H), 2.10 (m, 2H), 1.98 (m, 2H), 1.58 (m, 4H).

Intermediate (xxxxix) 4-(3-Oxo-propyl)tetrahydro-pyran-4-carboxylic acidmethyl ester

4-But-3-enyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (6 g, 30mmol) was dissolved in iPrOH (150 mL). To this was added a aqueoussolution of NaIO₄ (14 g, 65.2 mmol, 2.18 equiv.) in water (150 mL),followed by addition of OsO₄ (25 mg, crystals, in one portion) at rt.The solution was stirred with a mechanical stirrer at rt (water bath).After 30 min, milky cloudy product was formed. Stirring was continuedfor 4 h. TLC (1% MeOH in DCM, and 5% MeOH in DCM) did not detect the SM.An aliquot was taken and dissolved in CDCl₃ to run NMR, there was noalkene peak in the sample. The reaction was judged to be complete. Thereaction mixture was poured into ice water (200 mL) and EtOAc (200 mL).The two layers were separated and the aqueous layer was extracted withEtOAc (5×50 mL). More water was added to dissolve the solid resulting ina clear solution. The combined extracts were washed with brine, andconcentrated to dryness to get a liquid. The liquid was subject areduced distillation to remove isopropanol. The remaining liquid waspurified on a 50-g silica gel column, eluted with 50% EtOAc in Heptane.Note: the product is not UV active. Anisaldehyde visualization was used.The product fractions were collected and concentrated to yield 5.62 g(94% yield) of the title compound as a liquid.

LCMS: R_(T)=2.10 min.; MS: 201 (M+H).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 300 MHz) δ: 9.74 m, 1H), 3.86 (dt, 3.6 Hz, 11.7 Hz, 2H),3.72 (s, 3H), 3.41 (dt, 2.3 Hz, 11.7 Hz, 2H), 2.42 (m, 2H), 2.09 (m,2H), 1.88 (m, 2H), 1.52 (m, 2H).

Intermediate (D)4-[3-(4-Bromo-2-methyl-phenylamino)-propyl]-tetrahydro-pyran-4-carboxylicacid methyl ester

2-Methyl-4-bromo-aniline (930 mg, 5 mmol) was dissolved in DCE (50 mL);to this solution was transferred a solution of4-(3-oxo-propyl)-tetrahydro-pyran-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (1.0 g,5 mmol) in DCE (50 mL). The flask was submerged in a water bath at rt.To this clear solution was then added acetic acid (930 mg, 15.5 mmol,3.1 equiv), followed by addition of powder NaBH(OAc)₃ (3.18 g, 15 mmol,3 equiv.) in 1 portion under N2 at r.t. The yellowish milky suspensionwas stirred at r.t. overnight. LC/MS showed m/z 372/370 at t=3.872 min.along with small amount of aniline starting material (MS: 186/188). TLC(5% of MeOH in DCM) showed no SM. of aldehyde, but aniline. The reactionwas diluted with DCM (100 mL), cooled to ice-water bath, and quenchedwith 5 mL of conc. NH₄OH (7.45M) in 150 mL of water. (2 M of NH₄OH). Thetwo layers were separated, and the aqueous layer was extracted with DCM(20 mL×2). The combined DCM extracts were washed with sodium bicarbonate(10 mL), and brine (10 mL), dried (anhydrous potassium carbonate),filtered, and concentrated. The product was purified on a 25-g-silicagel column eluted with DCM to elute aniline; 2.5% MeOH in DCM for theproduct to get 0.85 g (46%) of the title compound as an oil.

LCMS: R_(T)=3.872 min.; MS: 372/370 (M+H).

Intermediate (Di)4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenylamino)-propyl]-tetrahydro-pyran-4-carboxylic acidmethyl ester

This intermediate was synthesized essentially in the same way as aboveto obtain 0.74 g (42% yield) of the title compound as an oil.

LCMS: R_(T)=3.382 min.; MS: 356/358 (M+H).

Intermediate (iii)4-[3-(4-Bromo-2-fluoro-phenylamino)-propyl]-tetrahydro-pyran-4-carboxylicacid methyl ester

This intermediate was synthesized essentially in the same way as aboveto obtain 0.62 g (33% yield) of the title compound as an oil.

LCMS: R_(T)=4.253 min.; MS: 374/376 (M+H).

Intermediate (viii)2-(4-Bromo-2-methyl-phenyl)-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one

To a clear solution of4-[3-(4-bromo-2-methyl-phenylamino)-propyl]-tetrahydro-pyran-4-carboxylicacid methyl ester (0.85 g, 2.3 mmol) in THF (25 mL) was added NaH (60%in mineral oil, ˜100 mg) and the reaction temperature was raised to 50°C. (external) for 2 h. TLC (2.5% MeOH in DCM for SM, 5% MeOH in DCM forproduct) showed the reaction was complete. LC/MS detected the productpeak. The reaction was cooled tin an ice-water bath, diluted with 25 mLof ethyl acetate, quenched with 10 mL of water. The two layers wereseparated. The aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (2×10 mL). Thecombined EtOAc extracts were washed with brine, and concentrated onrotavap to yield a crude product as a slightly yellow solid. Thismaterial was loaded onto a 25-g of silica gel column, eluted with DCMand 5% MeOH in DCM to get 0.81 g (95% yield) of the title compound as awhite solid.

LCMS: R_(T)=3.03 min.; MS: 338/340 (M+H).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 300 MHz) δ (ppm): 7.35 (m, 2H), 6.96 (m, 1H), 3.96 (m,2H), 3.75-3.52 (m, 2H), 3.37 (m, 2H), 2.22 (m, 2H), 2.12 (s, 3H),1.98-2.10 (m, 4H), 1.53 (m, 2H).

Intermediate (Div)2-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one

To a clear solution of4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenylamino)-propyl]-tetrahydro-pyran-4-carboxylic acidmethyl ester (0.74 g, 2.08 mmol) in THF (25 mL) was added a solution of1.0 mL of potassium t-butoxide (1M in THF) at r.t. (water bath at rt).The clear solution turned a little bit cloudy. After 15 min, TLC (5%MeOH in DCM) showed the reaction is complete (spot to spot), LC/MSdetected the product peak. The reaction was cooled tin an ice-waterbath, diluted with 25 mL of ethyl acetate, quenched with 10 mL of water.The two layers were separated. The aqueous layer was extracted withEtOAc (2×10 mL). The combined EtOAc extracts were washed with brine, andconcentrated on rotavap to yield a crude product as a slightly yellowsolid. This material was loaded onto a 25-g of silica gel column, elutedwith DCM and 5% MeOH in DCM to get 0.64 g (86% yield) of the titlecompound as a white solid.

LCMS: R_(T)=2.91 min.; MS: 324/326 (M+H).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 300 MHz) δ (ppm): 7.50 (d, 9.3 Hz, 2H), 7.11 (d, 9.3 Hz,2H), 3.95 (m, 2H), 3.73-3.61 (m, 2H), 2.12 (m, 2H), 1.98 (bs, 4H), 1.52(m, 2H).

Intermediate (Dv)2-(4-Bromo-2-fluoro-phenyl)-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one

This intermediate was synthesized substantially the same way as above toobtain 0.53 g (85% yield) of the title compound as a white solid.

LCMS: R_(T)=3.01 min.; MS:342/344 (M+H).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 300 MHz) δ (ppm): 7.31 (m, 2H), 7.10 (m, 1H), 3.94 (bs,2H), 3.70 (m, 2H), 3.56 (bs, 2H), 2.22 (bs, 2H), 1.99 (m, 4H), 1.56 (m,3H).

Example 12-[2-Methyl-4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one

Method A Step 14-{2-[2-Methyl-4-(2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenylamino]-ethyl}-tetrahydro-pyran-4-carboxylicacid methyl ester

2-Methyl-4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenylamine(4.56 mmol) was dissolved in DCE (20 mL); to this solution wastransferred a solution of 4-(2-Oxo-ethyl)-tetrahydro-pyran-4-carboxylicacid methyl ester (0.85 g, 4.56 mmol) in DCE (50 mL). To this clearsolution was then added acetic acid (0.86 g, 14.3 mmol, 3.1 equiv),followed by addition of powder NaBH(OAc)₃ (CSN: 56553-60-7, mw=211.94):2.9 g, 13.6 mmol, 3 equiv.) in one portion under N₂ at r.t. Theyellowish milky solution was stirred at r.t. overnight. LC/MS showed m/z429.35/430.40 at t=2.123 min. TLC (5% of 7N NH₃/MeOH in DCM) showed noSM. The reaction was diluted with DCM (40 mL) and quenched with 30 mL ofconc. NH₄OH in 70 mL of water. The two layers were separated, and theaqueous layer was extracted with DCM (10 mL×2). The combined DCMextracts were washed with sodium bicarbonate (10 mL), and brine (15 mL),dried (anhydrous potassium carbonate), filtered, and concentrated. Theproduct was purified on a 25 g-silica gel column (0-20%, 0-4 min; 20-40:4-13 min; 40%:13-25 min (A is % of 7N NH₃/MeOH in DCM) to get 1.17 g(60%) of the title compound as an oil.

LC R_(T)=2.72 min.; MS 430

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃), δ (ppm): 6.56 (d, 9.3 Hz, 1H), 6.41 (m, 2H),3.83 (m, 2H), 3.71 (s, 3H), 3.53-3.41 (m, 3H), 3.35-2.88 (m, 8H), 2.76(sixtet, 6.0 Hz, 1H), 2.50 (q, 8.4 Hz, 1H), 2.19-1.87 (m, 10H),1.85-1.41 (m, 5H), 1.14 (d, 6.3 Hz, 3H).

Step 2

To a clear solution of4-{2-[2-Methyl-4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)phenylamino]-ethyl}-tetrahydro-pyran-4-carboxylicacid methyl ester (0.79 g, 1.84 mmol) in THF (70 mL) was added asolution of potassium t-butoxide (1 M in THF) 1 mL (2 mL, 2 mmol, 1.1equiv.) at r.t. The clear solution turned a little bit cloudy. After 15min, TLC (5% of 7N NH₃/MeOH in DCM) showed the reaction is complete(spot to spot), LC/MS detected the product peak of 398 (t=2.491 min)with trace of starting material peak of 430/429. The stirring wascontinued for 45 min more and the reaction is complete by LC/MS. Thereaction mixtures were quenched by dilution with DCM (20 mL) and water(10 mL) and sodium bicarbonate (5 mL). The two layers were separated.The aqueous layer was extracted with DCM (2×10 mL). The combined DCMextracts were washed with brine, dried (K₂CO₃), filtered, andconcentrated on rotavap to yield a crude product, almost pure. Thismaterial was dissolved in DCM (1 mL), loaded onto a 25-g of silica gelcolumn, eluted with A in DCM: 0-40%, 0-4 min; 40-50 4-13 min; 50-7013-25 min (A is % of 7N NH₃/MeOH in DCM) to get 0.92 g (85%) of the purecompound 10. LC/MS100% pure, MS 398.

Method B

(2S,3′S)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl dihydrochloride (2HCl.2H₂O, MW263.18) (5.97 g, 22.71 mmol, 1.11 equiv.) was dissolved in 10 mL of MeOHwith the aid of sonication. To the solution was added 100 mL of DCM. Thesolution was cooled to an ice-water bath. To this solution was addedpowder KOH (3.9 g, 59.02 mmol, 2.6 equiv. to the amine salt) withstirring under N₂. The stirring was continued for 1 h. 2 g of powderK₂CO₃ was added with stirring to form a nice suspension. The suspensionwas filtered through a Celite pad, rinsed with DCM until no amine wasleach out by TLC (20% MeOH in DCM, anisaldehyde visualization, whitespot just above the origin). The solution was concentrated to dryness;the residue was further dried under high vacuum with stirring for 1 h,re-dissolved in 50 mL of anhydrous toluene and ready to use.

An 250-mL RBF containing a stir bar was charged with Pd₂(dba)₃ (186 mg,0.2036 mmol, 0.01 equiv.),2-dicyclohexylphosphino-2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl 1 (485 mg, 1.018mmol, 0.05 equiv.),2-(4-Bromo-2-methyl-phenyl)-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one (6.6 g,20.36 mmol, 1 equiv.), and sodium t-butoxide (4.891 g, 50.9 mmol, 2.5equiv.). The flask was de-gassed and refilled with N₂ three cycles. 100mL of anhydrous toluene was introduced and the red solution was stirredfor 2 min at rt, then the amine (22.71 mmol, 1.11 equiv., obtained fromabove) in toluene was introduced into the flask via cannula. The flaskwas evacuated and backfilled with N₂. The reaction was heated in an oilbath set at 90° C. for 2.5 h, allowed to cool down to room temperatureand quenched with water (20 mL). The mixture was extracted with DCM(3×100 mL). The combined DCM extracts were washed with sodiumbicarbonate (50 mL), and brine (50 mL), dried (anhydrous potassiumcarbonate), filtered, and concentrated. The crude product was purifiedon a 80-g silica gel column on Analogix. Gradient: B %/time: 0/0-10 min;0-50%/10-15 min; 50-90%/15-60 min (A=DCM; B=5% of 7N NH₃ in MeOH in DCM)to get 6.6 g (82%) of the title compound as a gummy semi-solid. Thematerial was re-crystallized from MTBE and DCM to get a colorlesscrystalline solid.

Mp. 135.5° C.

Elemental analysis: C, 72.51% H, 8.87% N, 10.57%

Found: C, 72.51%, H, 9.07%, N, 10.65%

LCMS R_(T)=1.96 min.; MS: 398 (M+H).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃), δ (ppm): 6.94 (m, 1H), 6.39 (m, 2H), 4.05 (dt,4.2 Hz, 11.7 Hz, 2H), 3.64-3.47 (m, 10H), 3.37 (dt, 2.6 Hz, 9.0 Hz, 1H),2.76 (sixtet, 6.3 Hz, 1H), 2.52 (q, 8.4 Hz, 1H), 2.14 (s, 3H), 2.12 (m,4H), 1.98 (m, 2H), 1.77 (m, 2H), 1.48 (m, 3H), 1.14 (d, 6.3 Hz, 3H).

Optical rotation: [α]_(D)=+27.2° (c 0.5, MeOH)

Chiral purity: 99.9% (Chiral HPLC).

The product from Method A and Method B exactly match each other in NMR,LCMS, and Rotation.

Example 22-[2-Methyl-4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one

The title compound was synthesized from Method A.

LCMS: R_(T)=1.98 min.; MS: 412 (M+H).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃), δ (ppm): 6.93 (d, 9.3 Hz, 1H), 6.39 (m, 2H),3.98 (m, 2H), 3.75-3.14 (m, 9H), 3.01 (m, 1H), 2.76 (m, 1H), 2.53 (q,8.4 Hz, 1H), 2.31-2.10 (m, 4H), 2.10 (s, 3H), 1.96 (m, 5H), 1.76 (m,2H), 1.50 (m, 3H), 1.13 (d, 6.3 Hz, 3H).

Example 32-[4-((2S,3′S)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one

This compound was synthesized by the Method A.

LCMS: R_(T)=1.9 min.; MS: 384 (M+H).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3), δ (ppm): 7.45 (d, 2H), 6.57 (d, 2H), 4.04-3.98(m, 2H), 3.77-3.71 (m, 4H), 3.61-3.53 (m, 4H), 3.49-3.39 (m, 2H),3.30-3.24 (m, 2H), 2.97-2.93 (m, 1H), 2.30-2.25 (m, 2H), 2.18-2.02 (m,8H), 1.82-1.70 (m, 1H), 1.40 (d, 3H).

Example 42-[3-Fluoro-4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one

The title compound was synthesized following substantially theprocedures as set forth in Method A, Example 1 and employing thecorresponding starting materials.

LCMS: R_(T)=2.36 min.; MS: 402 (M+H).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃), δ (ppm): 7.54 (dd, 1H), 7.15 (dd, 1H), 6.68 (t,1H), 4.05-3.99 (m, 2H), 3.85-3.71 (m, 4H), 3.65-3.45 (m, 6H), 3.42-3.33(m, 2H), 2.92 (q, 1H), 2.23-1.99 (m, 10H), 1.80-1.71 (m, 1H), 1.36 (d,3H).

Example 52-{2-Methyl-4-[4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-piperidin-1-yl]-phenyl}-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-oneStep 1:2-[4-(4-Hydroxy-piperidin-1-yl)-2-methyl-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one

An 25-mL round bottom flask containing a stir bar was charged withPd₂(dba)₃ (00.01 equiv., 0.0154 mmol, 14 mg.),2-dicyclohexylphosphino-2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl 1 (0.05 equiv.,0.077 mmol, 36.7 mg),2-(4-bromo-2-methyl-phenyl)-8-oxa-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one (0.50 g,1.54 mmol, 1 equiv.), and sodium t-butoxide (2.5 equiv., 3.85 mmol, 370mg.), and piperidin-4-ol (1.5 equiv., 2.3 mmol, 234 mg). The vial wascapped with a rubber septum, evacuated and backfilled with N₂. To thisvial was introduced 8 mL of anhydrous toluene. The reaction was heatedin an oil bath set at 90° C. for 2 h, allowed to cool down to roomtemperature and quenched with water (2 mL). The two layers wereseparated and the aqueous layer was extracted with DCM (3×10 mL). Thecombined DCM extracts were washed with sodium bicarbonate (50 mL), andbrine (50 mL), dried (anhydrous potassium carbonate), filtered, andconcentrated. The crude product was purified by a silica gel column togive 75.1 mg (14% yield) of the title compound as a light yellow solidafter standing.

LCMS: R_(T)=1.42 min.; MS: 345 (M+H)

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃), δ (ppm): 6.99 (d, 8.4 Hz, 1H), 6.78 (m, 2H),4.05 (dt, 4.2 Hz, 11.7 Hz, 2H), 3.83 (m, 1H), 3.58 (m, 5H), 2.91 (m,2H), 2.17 (m, 4H), 2.10 (s, 3H), 1.63 (m, 8H).

Step 2:2-{2-Methyl-4-[4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-piperidin-1-yl]-phenyl}-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one

A round bottomed flask equipped with a stir bar and a septum was chargedwith p-toluenesulfonyl chloride (2 equiv., 0.47 mmol, 89 mg) and 5 ml ofanhydrous DCM. To this solution was added a solution of2-[4-(4-Hydroxy-piperidin-1-yl)-2-methyl-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one(75 mg, 0.21 mmol.), followed by Et₃N and a few crystals of DMAP. Thesolution was stirred under nitrogen overnight from 0° C. to rt. TLC (5%MeOH in DCM for SM and DCM for product) showed the reaction was almostcomplete. The reaction was quenched by addition of polymer-supportedamine (3.2 mmol/g, 150 mg), stirred 30 min. The suspension was filtered,rinsed with DCM. The filtrate was concentrated to dryness and furtherdried under high vacuum for 1 h to get an intermediate tosylate(MW=498.65), LCMS gave 499.

The tosylate obtained above was dissolved in 3 mL of anhydrous CH₃CN. Tothis solution was added 64 mg of (S)-(+)-2-methylpyrrolidine and 120 mgof K₂CO₃ powder anhydrous. The suspension was heated over an oil bathset at 80° C. for overnight. Acetonitrile was evaporated. The residuewas dissolved in DCM (10 mL) and water (5 mL). The two layers wereseparated and the aqueous layer was extracted with DCM (2×4 mL). Thecombined DCM extracts was extracted with 1N HCl (2×5 mL). The aqueoussolution was cooled in an ice-water bath and 10 mL of DCM was added. Themixture was basified to pH 8 and the two layers were separated and theaqueous layer was extracted with DCM (2×4 mM). The combined DCM extractswas washed with brine (5 mL), dried (K₂CO₃), filtered, and concentratedto a residue. This was purified on a silica gel column eluted with 5% of7N NH₃/MeOH in DCM to get 70 mg (80% yield) of the title compound as awhite solid.

LCMS: R_(T)=2.24 min.; MS: 412 (M+H)

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃), δ (ppm): 6.98 (d, 8.4 Hz, 1H), 6.77 (m, 2H),4.05 (dt, 4.2 Hz, 11.7 Hz, 2H), 3.76-3.53 (m, 5H), 2.97-2.51 (m, 4H),2.15 (m, 2H), 2.14 (s, 3H), 1.96-1.42 9M, 15H), 1.08 (d, 6.3 Hz, 3H).

Example 62-[2-Methyl-4-(2R,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one

The title compound was synthesized in substantially the same way asExample 1, Method B, in 46% yield.

LC R_(T)=1.95 min.; MS 398.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃), δ: 6.96 (m, 1H), 6.39 (m, 2H), 4.05 (dt, 4.2Hz, 11.4 Hz, 2H), 3.64-3.47 (m, 10H), 3.37 (dt, 3.6 Hz, 9.0 Hz, 1H),2.79 (sixtet, 6.3 Hz, 1H), 2.56 (q, 8.4 Hz, 1H), 2.17 (m, 4H), 2.14 (s,3H), 1.98-1.69 (m, 4H), 1.48 (m, 3H), 1.14 (d, 6.3 Hz, 3H).

Example 72-[4-(2-Ethyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-2-fluoro-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one

The title compound is synthesized by the Method B, from 60 mg of thebromide to get 22.6 mg (30% yield) of the product a brown gum.

LC R_(T)=2.11 min.; MS 416.

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ 7.12 (1H, t, J=9.35 Hz), 6.27 (2H, m), 4.03(2H, dt, J=11.73, 4.22 Hz), 3.66 (2H, t, J=Hz), 3.59 (2H, m), 3.49-3.16(5H, m), 3.01 (1H, m), 2.54 (2H, m), 2.20-2.03 (7H, m), 1.83-1.61 (3H,m), 1.49 (3H, d, J=13.75 Hz), 1.27 (1H, m), 0.90 (3H, td, J=7.33, 1.83Hz).

Example 82-[2-Fluoro-4-(2-isopropyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one

The title compound is synthesized following substantially the sameprocedures as set forth in Method B, Example 1 starting from 60 mg ofthe bromide to obtain 64.1 mg (83% yield) of the product as a brown gum.

LC R_(T)=2.15 min.; MS 430.

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ 7.13 (1H, m), 6.26 (2H, m), 4.04 (2H, dt,J=11.55, 3.67 Hz), 3.64 (4H, m), 3.38 (2H, m), 3.22 (2H, m), 3.00 (1H,m), 2.48 (2H, m), 2.13 (7H, m), 1.65 (4H, m), 1.50 (3H, m), 0.87 (6H,m).

Example 92-[2-Fluoro-4-(2-propyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one

The title compound is synthesized following substantially the sameprocedures as set forth in Method B, Example 1 starting from 60 mg ofthe bromide to obtain 35 mg (45% yield) of the product a brown gum.

LC R_(T)=2.17 min.; MS 430.

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ 7.12 (1H, t, J=9.16 Hz), 6.27 (2H, m), 4.03(2H, dt, J=11.73, 4.22 Hz), 3.70-3.54 (4H, m), 3.50-3.18 (5H, m), 3.02(1H, m), 2.65 (1H, m), 2.53 (1H, m), 2.11 (7H, m), 1.97-1.68 (2H, m),1.52 (4H, m), 1.29 (3H, m), 0.94 (3H, m).

Example 102-{2-Fluoro-4-[4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl]-phenyl}-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one

The title compound is synthesized following substantially the sameprocedures as set forth in Method B, Example 1 starting from 60 mg ofthe bromide to obtain 45.8 mg (61% yield) of the product a brown gum.

LC R_(T)=1.87 min.; MS 416.

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ 7.18 (1H, t, J=8.98 Hz), 6.66 (2H, m), 4.04(2H, m), 3.77-3.55 (6H, m), 2.91 (2H, m), 2.73 (2H, m), 2.58 (2H, m),1.11 (4H, m), 2.01-1.57 (7H, m), 1.50 (3H, m), 1.07 (3H, d, J=6.23 Hz).

Example 112-[2-Fluoro-4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one

The title compound is synthesized following substantially the sameprocedures as set forth in Method B, Example 1 starting from 60 mg ofthe bromide to get 42.9 mg (59% yield) of the product a brown gum.

LC R_(T)=1.97 min.; MS 402.

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ 7.11 (1H, t, 9.16 Hz), 6.27 (2H, m), 4.03 (2H,dt, J=11.73, 4.22 Hz), 3.62 (4H, m), 3.48 (1H, t, J=6.96 Hz), 3.42-3.17(4H, m), 3.01 (1H, m), 2.79 (1H, m), 2.53 (1H, J=8.25 Hz), 2.25-1.91(7H, m), 1.78 (2H, m), 1.49 (3H, d, J=13.75 Hz), 1.12 (3H, d, J=6.23Hz).

Example 122-[2-Fluoro-4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,4]bipiperidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one

The title compound is synthesized following substantially the sameprocedures as set forth in Method B, Example 1 starting from 60 mg ofthe bromide to obtain 24.4 mg (32% yield) of the product as a brown gum.

LC R_(T)=2.03 min.; MS 430.

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ 7.19 (1H, t, J=9.16 Hz), 6.65 (2H, m), 4.03(2H, dt, J=11.73, 4.22 Hz), 3.76 (1H, m), 3.69 (1H, t, J=6.96 Hz), 3.59(2H, m), 3.42-2.93 (2H, m), 2.77 (4H, m), 2.38 (2H, m), 2.22-2.01 (7H,m), 1.97-1.60 (6H, m), 1.49 (3H, d, J=13.75), 1.26 (3H, m).

Example 132-{4-[4-(2-Isopropyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-piperidin-1-yl]-phenyl}-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one

The title compound is synthesized following substantially the sameprocedures as set forth in Method B, Example 1 starting from 100 mg ofthe bromide to obtain 60 mg (44% yield) of the product as a brown gum.

LC R_(T)=2.08 min.; MS 426.

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ 7.50 (2H, d, J=9.16 Hz), 6.93 (2H, d, J=9.16Hz), 4.02 (2H, dt, J=11.55, 4.22 Hz), 3.76 (2H, t, J=6.78 Hz), 3.69 (2H,m), 3.57 (2H, td, J=11.00, 2.57 Hz), 2.92 (1H, m), 2.77-2.49 (5H, m),2.17-2.01 (4H, m), 1.89-1.51 (9H, m), 1.44 (2H, d, J=13.56), 0.86 (6H,dd, J=16.13, 6.78 Hz).

Example 142-{4-[4-(2-Propyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-piperidin-1-yl]-phenyl}-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one

The title compound is synthesized following substantially the sameprocedures as set forth in Method B, Example 1 starting from 100 mg ofthe bromide to get 75.8 mg (56% yield) of the product as a brown gum.

LC R_(T)=2.16 min.; MS 426.

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ: 7.50 (2H, d, J=8.98 Hz), 6.93 (2H, d, J=8.98Hz), 4.02 (2H, dt, J=11.73, 4.03 Hz), 3.75 (2H, t, J=6.78 Hz), 3.70 (2H,d, J=12.28), 3.58 (2H, td, J=11.00, 2.57 Hz), 2.94 (1H, m), 2.69 (4H, q,J=11.55 Hz), 2.54 (1H, q, J=8.43 Hz), 2.17-2.02 (4H, m), 1.96-1.11 (14H,m), 0.93 (3H, t, J=6.96 Hz).

Example 152-[4-(2-Methoxymethyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one

The title compound is synthesized following substantially the sameprocedures as set forth in Method B, Example 1 from 100 mg of thebromide to obtain 75.7 mg (57% yield) of the product as a brown gum.

LC R_(T)=1.95 min.; MS 414.

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ 7.44 (2H, d, J=8.98 Hz), 6.53 (2H, d, J=8.98Hz), 4.03 (2H, dt, J=11.73, 4.03 Hz), 3.74 (2H, t, J=6.78 Hz), 3.58 (2H,m), 3.51-3.16 (10H, m), 3.05 (1H, m), 2.93 (1H, m), 2.54 (1H, m),2.30-1.66 (10H, m), 1.45 (2H, d, J=13.56 Hz).

Example 162-{4-[4-((2S,3′S)-2-Methyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-piperidin-1-yl]-phenyl}-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one

The title compound is synthesized following substantially the sameprocedures as set forth in Method B, Example 1 starting from 100 mg ofthe bromide to obtain 69.2 mg (54% yield) of the product as a brown gum.

LC R_(T)=1.86 min.; MS 398.

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ: 7.50 (2H, d, J=8.98 Hz), 6.93 (2H, d, J=8.98Hz), 4.02 (2H, dt, J=11.73, 4.03 Hz), 3.75 (2H, t, J=6.78 Hz), 3.69 (2H,d, J=12.10 Hz), 3.57 (2H, td, J=8.80, 2.38 Hz), 2.91 (2H, m), 2.78-2.53(4H, m), 2.13 (2H, t, J=6.78 Hz), 2.06 (2H, m), 1.98-1.58 (7H, m), 1.44(3H, d, J=12.38), 1.07 (3H, d, J=6.05 Hz).

Example 172-[3-Fluoro-4-(2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one

The title compound is synthesized following substantially the sameprocedures as set forth in Method B, Example 1 starting from 100 mg ofthe bromide to get 78.9 mg (65% yield) of the product as a brown gum.

LC R_(T)=2.42 min.; MS 416.

Example 182-{4-[4-(2-Ethyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-piperidin-1-yl]-2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl}-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one

The title compound is synthesized following substantially the sameprocedures as set forth in Method B, Example 1 starting from 90 mg ofthe bromide to get 51.4 mg (45% yield) of the product as a brown gum.

LC R_(T)=2.37 min.; MS 480.

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ: 7.18 (1H, s), 7.07 (2H, m), 4.03 (2H, dt,J=11.73, 4.03 Hz), 3.77 (2H, d, J=12.28 Hz), 3.61 (4H, m), 3.09-2.33(5H, m), 2.18 (2H, t, J=6.78

Hz), 2.08 (2H, m), 1.96-1.40 (10H, m), 1.32-1.12 (3H, m), 0.88 (3H, t,J=7.33 Hz).

Example 192-{4-[4-(2-Isopropyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-piperidin-1-yl]-2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl}-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one

The title compound is synthesized following substantially the sameprocedures as set forth in Method B, Example 1 starting from 90 mg ofthe bromide to obtain 90 mg (76% yield) of the product as a brown gum.

LC R_(T)=2.38 min.; MS 494.

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ: 7.17 (1H, d, J=2.38 Hz), 7.06 (2H, m), 4.03(2H, m), 3.77 (2H, m), 3.61 (4H, m), 3.10-2.47 (5H, m), 2.78 (2H, t,J=6.96 Hz), 2.08 (2H, m), 2.00-1.44 (12H, m), 0.88 (6H, dd J=15.95, 6.96Hz).

Example 202-[4-(2-Propyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one

The title compound is synthesized following substantially the sameprocedures as set forth in Method B, Example 1 starting from 90 mg ofthe bromide to obtain 81.3 mg (71% yield) of the product as a brown gum.

LC R_(T)=2.44 min.; MS 480.

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ: 7.05 (1H, d, J=8.61 Hz), 6.77 (1H, d, J=2.75Hz), 6.65 (1H, dt, J=8.61, 2.75 Hz), 4.03 (2H, dt, J=11.55, 4.22 Hz),3.59 (3H, m), 3.51-3.20 (4H, m), 2.99 (2H, m), 2.64 (1H, m), 2.52 (2H,m), 2.21-2.01 (4H, m), 1.97-1.67 (4H, m), 1.60-1.43 (4H, m), 1.41-1.18(4H, m), 0.94 (3H, m).

Example 212-{4-[4-((2S,3′S)-2-Methyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-piperidin-1-yl]-2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl}-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one

The title compound is synthesized following substantially the sameprocedures as set forth in Method B, Example 1 from 90 mg of the bromideto obtain 107.4 mg (96% yield) of the product as a brown gum.

LC R_(T)=2.19 min.; MS 466.

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ: 7.18 (1H, s), 7.07 (2H, s), 4.03 (2H, dt,J=11.55, 4.22 Hz), 3.77 (2H, d, J=12.46 Hz), 3.61 (4H, m), 2.99-2.53(6H, m), 2.17 (2H, t, J=6.78 Hz), 2.08 (2H, m), 2.02-1.56 (7H, m), 1.50(3H, m), 1.07 (3H, d, J=6.23 Hz).

Example 222-[4-((2S,3′S)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one

The title compound is synthesized following substantially the sameprocedures as set forth in Method B, Example 1 starting from 90 mg ofthe bromide to obtain 108 mg (100% yield) of the product as a brown gum.

LC R_(T)=2.18 min.; MS 452.

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ: 7.05 (1H, d, J=8.61 Hz), 6.77 (1H, s), 6.66(1H, d, J=8.61 Hz), 4.02 (2H, m), 3.69-3.21 (9H, m), 3.00 (1H, m), 2.81(1H, m), 2.55 (1H, q, J−8.06 Hz), 2.23-1.90 (7H, m), 1.90-1.67 (2H, m),1.49 (3H, d, J=13.93 Hz), 1.13 (3H, d, J=6.05 Hz).

Example 232-[4-((2S,3′S)-2-Methyl-[1,4]bipiperidinyl-1′-yl)-2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one

The title compound is synthesized following substantially the sameprocedures as set forth in Method B, Example 1 from 90 mg of the bromideto obtain 33.4 mg (29% yield) of the product as a brown gum.

LC R_(T)=2.37 min.; MS 480.

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ: 7.17 (1H, s), 7.06 (2H, m), 4.03 (2H, m), 3.77(2H, m), 3.58 (4H, m), 3.04-2.74 (4H, m), 2.61 (2H, m), 2.36-1.88 (8H,m), 1.87-1.21 (8H, m), 1.11 (3H, t, J=6.23 Hz).

Example 242-{2-Ethyl-4-[4-(2-propyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-piperidin-1-yl]-phenyl}-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one

The title compound is synthesized following substantially the sameprocedures as set forth in Method B, Example 1 starting from 77 mg ofthe bromide to get 84.6 mg (81% yield) of the product a brown gum.

LC R_(T)=2.29 min.; MS 454.

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ: 6.95 (1H, d, J=8.43 Hz), 6.79 (2H, m), 4.04(2H, dt, J=11.55, 4.03 Hz), 3.72 (2H, d, J=10.81 Hz), 3.60 (4H, m), 3.13(1H, d, J=11.55

Hz), 2.94 (1H, m), 2.81-2.41 (8H, m), 2.22-2.05 (4H, m), 1.96-1.61 (8H,m), 1.49 (2H, m), 1.43-1.22 (2H, m), 1.18 (3H, t, J=7.51 Hz), 0.93 (3H,m).

Example 252-{2-Ethyl-4-[4-(2-methoxymethyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl]-phenyl}-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one

The title compound is synthesized following substantially the sameprocedures as set forth in Method B, Example 1 starting from 77 mg ofthe bromide to obtain 82.9 mg (81% yield) of the product as a brown gum.

LC R_(T)=1.97 min.; MS 456.

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ: 6.96 (1H, d, J=8.43 Hz), 6.79 (2H, m), 4.04(2H, dt, J=11.55, 3.85 Hz), 3.71 (2H, d, J=11.91 Hz), 3.60 (4H, m), 3.35(3H, m), 3.18 (1H, m), 3.01 (3H, m), 2.81-2.41 (6H, m), 2.15 (4H, m),2.00-1.43 (10H, m), 1.18 (3H, t, J=7.70 Hz).

Example 262-[2-Ethyl-44(2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one

The title compound is synthesized following substantially the sameprocedures as set forth in Method B, Example 1 starting from 77 mg ofthe bromide to obtain 94.1 mg (99% yield) of the product as a brown gum.

LC R_(T)=1.98 min.; MS 426.

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ: 6.93 (1H, d, J=8.25 Hz), 6.40 (2H, m), 4.03(2H, dt, J=11.73, 4.03 Hz), 3.59 (4H, m), 3.40 (1H, m), 3.27 (3H, m),3.02 (1H, m), 2.79 (1H, m), 2.61-2.42 (3H, m), 2.14 (4H, m), 1.99 (1H,m), 1.89-1.65 (5H, m), 1.48 (3H, d, J=12.83 Hz), 1.19 (3H, t, J=7.51Hz), 1.14 (3H, d, J=6.23 Hz)

Example 272-[2-Fluoro-4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one

Step 1:4-{3-[2-Fluoro-44(2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-ylyphenylamino]-propyl}-tetrahydro-pyran-4-carboxylicacid methyl ester

4-(3-Oxo-propyl)tetrahydro-pyran-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (135 mg,0.515 mmol, 1 eq) was dissolved in 2.4 mL of 1,2-dichloroethane. To thiswas added2-Fluoro-4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenylamine(103 mg, 0.515 mmol, 1 eq) in 6.2 mL of 1,2-dichloroethane. To thecombined mixture was added glacial acetic acid (96 mg, 1.6 mmol, 3.1 eq)followed by NaBH(OAc)₃ (330 mg, 1.55 mmol, 3 eq). The reaction mixturewas stirred at rt for 15 h. The reaction mixture was quenched withwater, transferred to a separatory funnel and extracted with CH-2Cl2(2×100 mL). The combined organics were dried over Na₂SO₄, concentratedunder vacuum and purified by column chromatography on silica gel (40 gcolumn, 6% MeOH in CH₂Cl₂; 35 mL/min). This gave 130 mg (61%) of thetitle compound as a beige semi-solid.

Step 2

4-{3-[2-Fluoro-4-((2S,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenylamino]-propyl}-tetrahydro-pyran-4-carboxylicacid methyl ester (40 mg, 0.1 mmol, 1 eq) was dissolved in 2 mL of THFand cooled to 0° C., where a 2.5 M solution of n-BuLi in heptanes (0.11mL, 0.17 mmol, 3 eq) was added drop-wise and the ice bath was removed.After 30 min the reaction mixture was quenched with water, transferredto a separatory funnel and extracted with diethyl ether (2×50 mL). Thecombined organics were dried over Na₂SO₄ and purified by columnchromatography on silica gel (40 g column, 10% MeOH in CH₂Cl₂; 35mL/min). This gave 38 mg (98%) of the title compound as an off-whitegum.

LC/MS: R_(T)=1.89 min, MS: 416.

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ: 6.99 (m, 1H), 6.29 (m, 2H), 3.98 (m, 2H), 3.69(m, 2H), 3.54 (m, 2H), 3.47 (m, 1H), 3.35 (m, 1H), 3.31-3.15 (m, 3H),3.00 (m, 1H), 2.77 (m, 1H), 2.52 (q, 8.4 Hz, 1H), 2.21 (m, 3H),2.10-1.68 (m, 8H), 1.50 (m, 3H), 1.13 (d, 6.3 Hz, 3H).

Example 282-[2-Methyl-4-((2R,3′S)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one

The HCl salt of (2R,3′S)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl was dissolved in2 mL of MeOH with the aid of sonication. To the solution was added 50 mLof DCM. The solution was cooled to an ice-water bath. To this solutionwas added powder KOH (0.5 g, 9.5 mmol, 2.6 equiv. to the amine salt)with stirring under N₂. The stirring was continued for 1 h. 0.5 g ofpowder K₂CO₃ was added with stirring to form a nice suspension. Thesuspension was filtered through a Celite pad, rinsed with DCM until noamine was leach out by TLC (20% MeOH in DCM, anisaldehyde visualization,white spot just above the origin). The solution was concentrated todryness; the residue was further dried under high vacuum with stirringfor 1 h, re-dissolved in anhydrous toluene and ready to use.

An 20-mL vial containing a stir bar was charged with Pd₂(dba)₃ (0.01equiv., 0.002036 mmol, 2 mg.),2-dicyclohexylphosphino-2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl 1 (0.05 equiv.,0.01018 mmol, 4.85 mg.),2-(4-bromo-2-methyl-phenyl)-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one (1equiv. 66 mg, 0.2036 mmol), and sodium t-butoxide (2.5 equiv., 0.509mmol, 0.4891 g.). The vial was de-gassed and refilled with N₂ threecycles. 100 mL of anhydrous toluene was introduced and the red solutionwas stirred for 2 min at rt, then the amine (1.11 equiv., 22.71 mmol,obtained from above) in toluene was introduced into the flask viacannula. The flask was evacuated and backfilled with N2. The reactionwas heated in an oil bath set at 90° C. for 2.5 h, allowed to cool downto room temperature and quenched with water (2 mL) and extracted withDCM (3×100 mL). The combined DCM extracts were washed with sodiumbicarbonate (50 mL), and brine (50 mL), dried (anhydrous potassiumcarbonate), filtered, and concentrated. The crude product was purifiedon a 10-g silica gel column eluted with DCM and 5% of 7N NH₃ MeOH in DCMto get the titled compound.

LC/MS: R_(T)=1.96 min, MS: 412

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ: 6.93 (1H, d, J=8.25 Hz), 6.40 (2H, m), 4.03(2H, dt, J=11.73, 4.03 Hz), 3.59 (4H, m), 3.40 (1H, m), 3.27 (3H, m),3.02 (1H, m), 2.79 (1H, m), 2.61-2.42 (3H, m), 2.14 (4H, m), 1.99 (1H,m), 1.89-1.65 (5H, m), 1.48 (3H, d, J=12.83 Hz), 1.19 (3H, t, J=7.51Hz), 1.14 (3H, d, J=6.23 Hz).

Example 292-[2-Methyl-4-((2R,3′R)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one

The title compound is synthesized following substantially the sameprocedures as set forth in Method B, Example 1 from correspondingstarting materials.

LC R_(T)=1.95 min.; MS 398.

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ 6.94 (m, 1H), 6.39 (m, 2H), 4.05 (dt, 4.2 Hz,11.7 Hz, 2H), 3.64-3.47 (m, 10H), 3.37 (dt, 2.6 Hz, 9.0 Hz, 1H), 2.76(sixtet, 6.3 Hz, 1H), 2.52 (q, 8.4 Hz, 1H), 2.14 (s, 3H), 2.12 (m, 4H),1.98 (m, 2H), 1.77 (m, 2H), 1.48 (m, 3H), 1.14 (d, 6.3 Hz, 3H).

Example 302-[2-Methyl-4-(2S,3′R)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one

The title compound is synthesized following substantially the sameprocedures as set forth in Method B, Example 1 from correspondingstarting materials.

LC R_(T)=1.95 min.; MS 398.

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ 6.96 (m, 1H), 6.39 (m, 2H), 4.05 (dt, 4.2 Hz,11.4 Hz, 2H), 3.64-3.47 (m, 10H), 3.37 (dt, 3.6 Hz, 9.0 Hz, 1H), 2.79(sixtet, 6.3 Hz, 1H), 2.56 (q, 8.4 Hz, 1H), 2.17 (m, 4H), 2.14 (s, 3H),1.98-1.69 (m, 4H), 1.48 (m, 3H), 1.14 (d, 6.3 Hz, 3H).

Example 312-[2-Methyl-4-(2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-8-oxa-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decan-1-one

The title compound is synthesized following substantially the sameprocedures as set forth in Method B, Example 1 from correspondingstarting materials.

LC R_(T)=1.96 min.; MS 398.

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃)—exhibits twos sets of spectra.

Example 322-[2-Methyl-4-((2R,3′R)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one

The title compound is synthesized following substantially the sameprocedures as set forth in Method B, Example 1 from correspondingstarting materials.

LC R_(T)=1.85 min.; MS 412.

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ 6.94 (m, 1H), 6.39 (m, 2H), 3.98 (m, 2H),3.77-3.16 (m, 9H), 3.00 (m, 1H), 2.797 (sixtet, 6.9 Hz, 1H), 2.52 (q,8.4 Hz, 1H), 2.24 (m, 3H), 2.10 (s, 3H), 2.04-1.68 (m, 8H), 1.60-1.41(m, 3H), 1.13 (d, 6.3 Hz, 3H).

Example 332-[2-Methyl-4-(2S,3′R)-2-methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one

The title compound is synthesized following substantially the sameprocedures as set forth in Method B, Example 1 from correspondingstarting materials.

LC R_(T)=1.91 min.; MS 412.

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ 6.93 (m, 1H), 6.40 (m, 2H), 3.98 (m, 2H),3.73-3.51 (m, 3H), 3.44-3.19 (m, 6H), 2.98 (m, 1H), 2.79 (sixtet, 6.9Hz, 1H), 2.53 (q, 8.4 Hz, 1H), 2.33-2.16 (m, 3H), 2.10 (s, 3H),2.05-1.65 (m, 8H), 1.60-1.41 (m, 3H), 1.14 (d, 6.3 Hz, 3H).

Example 342-[4-((2R,3′S)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one

The title compound is synthesized following substantially the sameprocedures as set forth in Method B, Example 1 from correspondingstarting materials.

LC R_(T)=1.75 min.; MS 398.

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ 7.04 (d, 8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.54 (d, 8.7 Hz, 2H),3.98 (m, 2H), 3.73-3.56 (m 4H), 3.44-3.20 (m, 5H), 2.98 (m, 1H), 2.79(m, 1H), 2.53 (q, 8.4 Hz, 1H), 2.23 (m, 3H), 2.08-1.69 (m, 8H), 1.49 (m,3H), 1.14 (d, 6.3 Hz, 3H).

Example 352-[4-((2R,3′R)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one

The title compound is synthesized following substantially the sameprocedures as set forth in Method B, Example 1 from correspondingstarting materials.

LC R_(T)=1.83 min.; MS 398.

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ 7.04 (d, 8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.54 (d, 8.7 Hz, 2H),3.98 (m, 2H), 3.68 (m, 2H), 3.59 (m, 2H), 3.44-3.20 (m, 5H), 3.01 (m,1H), 2.77 (m, 1H), 2.53 (q, 8.4 Hz, 1H), 2.23 (m, 3H), 2.18-1.67 (m,8H), 1.50 (m, 3H), 1.14 (d, 6.3 Hz, 3H).

Example 362-[4-((2S,3′R)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one

The title compound is synthesized following substantially the sameprocedures as set forth in Method B, Example 1 from correspondingstarting materials.

LC R_(T)=1.85 min.; MS 398.

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ 7.04 (d, 8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.54 (d, 8.7 Hz, 2H),3.98 (m, 2H), 3.73-3.56 (m 4H), 3.44-3.20 (m, 5H), 2.98 (m, 1H), 2.79(m, 1H), 2.53 (q, 8.4 Hz, 1H), 2.23 (m, 3H), 2.08-1.69 (m, 8H), 1.49 (m,3H), 1.14 (d, 6.3 Hz, 3H).

Example 372-[4-((2S,3′S)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one

The title compound is synthesized following substantially the sameprocedures as set forth in Method B, Example 1 from correspondingstarting materials.

LC R_(T)=1.83 min.; MS 398.

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ 7.04 (d, 8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.54 (d, 8.7 Hz, 2H),3.98 (m, 2H), 3.68 (m, 2H), 3.59 (m, 2H), 3.44-3.20 (m, 5H), 3.01 (m,1H), 2.77 (m, 1H), 2.53 (q, 8.4 Hz, 1H), 2.23 (m, 3H), 2.18-1.67 (m,8H), 1.50 (m, 3H), 1.14 (d, 6.3 Hz, 3H).

Example 382-[2-Fluoro-4-((2R,3′S)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one

The title compound is synthesized following substantially the sameprocedures as set forth in Method B, Example 1 from correspondingstarting materials.

LC R_(T)=1.89 min.; MS 416.

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ 6.99 (m, 1H), 6.29 (m, 2H), 3.98 (m, 2H), 3.69(m, 2H), 3.54 (m, 2H), 3.43-3.16 (m, 5H), 2.97 (dt, 3.6 Hz, 7.8 Hz, 1H),2.79 (sixtet, 6.0 Hz, 1H), 2.52 (q, 8.4 Hz, 1H), 2.21 (m, 3H), 2.10-1.68(m, 8H), 1.50 (m, 3H), 1.14 (d, 6.3 Hz, 3H).

Example 392-[2-Fluoro-4-((2R,3′R)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one

The title compound is synthesized following substantially the sameprocedures as set forth in Method B, Example 1 from correspondingstarting materials.

LC R_(T)=1.93 min.; MS 416.

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ 6.99 (m, 1H), 6.29 (m, 2H), 3.98 (m, 2H), 3.69(m, 2H), 3.54 (m, 2H), 3.47 (m, 1H), 3.35 (m, 1H), 3.31-3.15 (m, 3H),3.00 (m, 1H), 2.77 (m, 1H), 2.52 (q, 8.4 Hz, 1H), 2.21 (m, 3H),2.10-1.68 (m, 8H), 1.50 (m, 3H), 1.13 (d, 6.3 Hz, 3H).

Example 402-[2-Fluoro-4-((2S,3′R)-2-Methyl-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-1′-yl)-phenyl]-9-oxa-2-aza-spiro[5.5]undecan-1-one

The title compound is synthesized following substantially the sameprocedures as set forth in Method B, Example 1 from correspondingstarting materials.

LC R_(T)=1.95 min.; MS 416.

¹H NMR (300 MHz CDCl₃) δ 6.99 (m, 1H), 6.29 (m, 2H), 3.98 (m, 2H), 3.69(m, 2H), 3.54 (m, 2H), 3.43-3.16 (m, 5H), 2.97 (dt, 3.6 Hz, 7.8 Hz, 1H),2.79 (sixtet, 6.0 Hz, 1H), 2.52 (q, 8.4 Hz, 1H), 2.21 (m, 3H), 2.10-1.68(m, 8H), 1.50 (m, 3H), 1.14 (d, 6.3 Hz, 3H).

Biological Examples Example 41

This Example 41 demonstrates the efficacy of the compounds of thisinvention as H3 receptor ligands. The compounds of this invention havebeen demonstrated to displace [³H]-methylhistamine radioligand bindingto mammalian cell membranes expressing rhesus (Macacca Mulatta) H3receptor. These compounds display rhesus H3 affinity constants (Ki) inthe range of 1 μM to <1 nM. Additionally, the compounds of thisinvention have been demonstrated by GTPγS radioligand binding assay toinhibit rhesus H3 constitutive functional activity in cell membranes.This inhibition of basal rhesus H3-mediated GTPγS radioligand bindingdemonstrates that the compounds of this invention find utility asinverse agonists. These compounds decreased rhesus H3 GTPγS radioligandbinding by 0-40% below basal levels.

Rhesus H3 membranes were prepared from the Flp-In T-REx 293 Cell Line(Invitrogen) stably transfected with pcDNA5/FRT/TO (Invitrogen)containing the rhesus monkey (Macacca Mulatta) 445 amino acid H3receptor. (Genbank #AY231164). Stably transfected cultures wereamplified in tissue culture flasks by standard tissue culture methodsand induced to express rhesus H3 by exposure to 500 ng/ml tetracycline(Cellgro) for 24 hours. After induction, cells were dissociated fromflasks utilizing Cell Stripper (Cellgro). Cells were centrifuged (1K×g,5 min) and pellet frozen in an ethanol-dry ice bath to disrupt cellmembranes. Frozen cell pellet was re-suspended in 5 mM HEPES (pH 7.4,Invitrogen) at 10 ml/1000 cm2 of harvested cells. The cell suspensionwas drawn through an 18 gauge needle (2-3×) followed by a 23 gaugeneedle (2-3×) to further disrupt cell membranes. The cell suspension wascentrifuged (40K×g, 30 min). Cell membrane pellet was re-suspended in 5mM HEPES (pH 7.4, Invitrogen) at a final protein concentration of 10mg/ml. Rhesus H3 membranes were stored under liquid nitrogen prior touse in [3H]-Methylhistamine and GTP S radioligand binding assays.

Rhesus H3 radioligand binding assay was performed using rhesus H3receptor membranes (prepared as described above), [3H]-Methylhistamine(Perkin Elmer) and WGA SPA beads (wheat germ agglutinin scintillationproximity assay) beads (Amersham). The assay was performed in 96-wellOpti-Plates (Packard). Each reaction contained 50 μl rhesus H3 membranes(20-30 μg total protein), 50 μl WGA SPA beads (0.1 μg) and 50 μl of 83Ci/mmol [³H]-Methylhistamine (final concentration 2 nM) and 50 μl oftested compound. The compounds of this invention and/or vehicle werediluted with binding buffer from 10 mM DMSO stocks. Assay plates weresealed with TopSeal (Perkin Elmer) and mixed on shaker (25° C., 1 hour).Assay plates were read on TopCount scintillation counter (Packard).Results were analyzed by Hill transformation and Ki values weredetermined by Cheng-Prusoff equation. The observed binding data for afew of the representative compounds of this invention are summarized inTable 1.

TABLE 1 Inverse Agonism: % inhibition of Basal Example Rhesus H3 GTPγSbinding in No. binding ki (nM) Rhesus H3 1 0.93 −25 2 0.38 −9 3 0.63 −264 2.1 −31 5 0.7 −11 6 38 −36 7 5.2 −35 8 76 −22 9 170 −30 10 0.16 −33 110.45 −11 12 0.45 −22 13 16 −22 14 13 −33 15 190 −26 16 0.52 −29 17 2.5−16 18 4.3 −35 19 100 −8 20 650 −12 21 0.42 −19 22 8.6 −21 23 1.5 −29 2418 −18 25 4.9 −13 26 0.13 −14 27 0.7 −20 28 13 −13 29 28 −28 30 4.3 −2931 6.2 −28 32 11 −15 33 1.4 −19 34 1.7 −12 35 0.7 −13 36 0.26 −10 37 0.1−20 38 1.3 −22 39 0.75 −13 40 0.09 −18

Example 42

This Example illustrates the study of efficacy of the compounds of thisinvention in increasing the wakefulness in animal models.

Male Sprague Dawley rats (Charles River, France) weighing 250±10 g wereanaesthetized with ZOLETIL^(R) 50 (60 mg/kg ip) and mounted in astereotaxic apparatus. Cortical electrodes (small stainless steel screwelectrodes of 0.9 mm in diameter) were screwed into the bone over thesensorimotor cortex (1.5 mm lateral to the median suture and 1.5 mmbehind the fronto-parietal suture), the visual cortex (1.5 mm lateral tothe median suture and 1.5 mm in front of the parieto-occipital suture)and over the cerebellum (reference electrode). Cortical electrodes wereattached to a connector (Winchester, 7-lead) and fixed with dentalcement to the cranium.

After three weeks of post-operative recovery, animals were placed inplexiglass cylinders (60 cm diameter) with free access to food andwater. The temperature of the room was kept constant (21±1° C.) andlights were on from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The rats were recorded from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. during three consecutive days: control day (D1), drug day (D2)and post drug day (D3). Vehicle (D1 and D3) or drug (D2) wereadministered 15 min before the recording.

Activity in sensorimotor and visual cortices were recorded by comparisonwith the reference electrode placed over the cerebellar cortex. Threestages were differentiated:

-   -   wakefulness (W) characterized by low voltage fast        electrocortical (ECoG) activity;    -   NREM sleep (non rapid eye movement or slow wave sleep: SWS)        characterized by an increase in electrocortical activity;        development of high-amplitude slow waves with some bursts of        sleep spindles;    -   REM sleep (rapid eye movement or paradoxical sleep: PS)        characterized by hypersynchronization of the theta rhythm in the        visual area.

Analysis of the ECoG signal was performed automatically by means of acomputerized system discriminating between the various sleep phasesusing sequential spectral analysis of ten seconds periods (Deltamed'ssoftware “Coherence”).

The compounds of this invention were dissolved in 0.6% MTC tween andadministered by oral route (po). The volume of injection was 0.5 m1/100g of body weight.

Two types of analysis were used to quantify the effects of the compoundsof this invention on sleep-wakefulness variables: the one hour-periodand the six hour-period analysis.

The results are expressed in minutes (one hour-period analysis) or asthe percentage of the control values (100%). Statistical analysis of thedata was carried out using the Student's t test for paired values todetermine significant variations from control values.

Example 43 Stress-Induced Ultrasonic Vocalizations Test in Adult Rats

This Example illustrates the study of efficacy of the compounds of thisinvention as antidepressive agents in animal models.

The procedure used was adapted from the technique described by Van DerPoel A. M, Noach E. J. K, Miczek K. A (1989) Temporal patterning ofultrasonic distress calls in the adult rat: effects of morphine andbenzodiazepines. Psychopharmacology 97:147-8. Rats were placed for atraining session in a cage with a stainless steel grid floor (MEDAssociates, Inc., St. Albans, Vt.). Four electric shocks (0.8 mA, 3s)were delivered every 7s and ultrasonic vocalizations (UV, 22 KHz) weresubsequently recorded with the Ultravox system (Noldus, Wageningen, TheNetherlands) during 2 min. A modified ultrasound detector (Mini-3 batmodel) connected to a microphone was used to transform ultrasonic soundinto audible sound. The signal was then filtered and sent to a computerwhere the Ultravox software recorded each bout of UV that lasted morethan 10 ms. Rats were selected on the basis of their UV duration (>40s)and subjected to the test, 4 h after training. For the test, rats wereplaced in the same cage as that used for training. One electric shock(0.8 mA, 3s) was delivered and UV (duration and frequency) weresubsequently recorded with the Ultravox system during 2 min. Thecompounds of this invention were administered p.o. 60 min beforetesting.

Example 44 Forced-Swimming Test in Rats

This Example further illustrates the study of efficacy of the compoundsof this invention as antidepressive agents in animal models.

The procedure was a modification of that described by Porsolt et al.(1977) Depression: a new animal model sensitive to antidepressanttreatments. Nature 266:730-2. Rats were placed in individual glasscylinder (40 cm height, 17 cm diameter) containing water (21° C.) to aheight of 30 cm. Two swimming sessions were conducted (a 15-min trainingsession followed 24 h later by a 6-min test). After each swimmingsession, rats were placed under a heating lamp to avoid hypothermia. Theduration of immobility was measured during the 6-min test. The compoundsof this invention were administered p.o. twice (15 min after trainingsession and 60 min before the test).

Although the invention has been illustrated by certain of the precedingexamples, it is not to be construed as being limited thereby; butrather, the invention encompasses the generic area as hereinbeforedisclosed. Various modifications and embodiments can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope thereof.

1. A process for preparing a compound of formula (18):

wherein m is 1 or 2; n is 1 or 2; p is 1 or 2; R₁ is hydrogen,(C₁-C₄)alkyl, CF₃, or (C₁-C₄)alkoxy-(C₁-C₄)alkyl; and R₂ is hydrogen,halogen, (C₁-C₄)alkyl or CF₃; said method comprising a) condensing analdehyde of formula (16):

wherein n is as defined for the compound of formula (18); with acompound of formula (12):

wherein R1, R2, m and p are as defined for the compound of formula (18);in the presence of a reducing agent, to provide the compound of formula(17):

wherein R1, R2, m, n, and p are as defined for the compound of formula(18); and b) cyclizing the compound of formula (17) in the presence of abase to provide the compound of formula (18).
 2. The process accordingto claim 1, wherein the reducing agent is triacetoxyborohydride.
 3. Theprocess according to claim 1, wherein the base is present in a catalyticamount.
 4. The process according to claim 3, wherein the base ispotassium t-butoxide.
 5. A process to prepare a compound of formula(18):

wherein n is 1 or 2; p is 1 or 2; R₁ is hydrogen, (C₁-C₄)alkyl, CF₃, or(C₁-C₄)alkoxy-(C₁-C₄)alkyl; and R₂ is hydrogen, halogen, (C₁-C₄)alkyl orCF₃; said method comprising a) condensing an aldehyde of formula (16):

with a bromide of formula (19):

wherein R₂ is as defined for the compound of formula (18); in thepresence of a reducing agent; to provide a compound of formula (20):

wherein n and R₂ are as defined for the compound of formula (18); and b)cyclizing the compound of formula (20) in the presence of a base toprovide a compound of formula (21):

wherein n and R₂ are as defined for the compound of formula (18); and c)condensing the compound of formula (21) with a compound of formula (4):

wherein p, m and R₁ are as defined for the compound of formula (18), orcondensing the compound of formula (21) with a with a compound offormula (9):

wherein p, m, and R₁ are as defined for the compound of formula (18); toprovide the compound of formula (18).
 6. The process according to claim5, wherein the reducing agent is triacetoxyborohydride.
 7. The processaccording to claim 5, wherein the base is present in a catalytic amount.8. The process according to claim 7, wherein the base is potassiumt-butoxide.